What to know about tuberculosis services offered by Louisville's TB health department

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's health department is responding to cases of tuberculosis in the region by offering diagnostic and treatment services for Jefferson, Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness said tuberculosis is an airborne disease that usually targets the lungs. However, it can also harm other organs.

This comes in the middle of cold and flu season, which experts believe hasn't hit its peak yet.

"This is projected to be a particularly tough flu season, especially since less people have gotten vaccinated," said Dr. Keturah Bowe with UofL Health.

The health department reported more than 3,700 flu cases in Jefferson County since the end of September. Experts recommend washing your hands and getting the flu vaccine to keep yourself from getting sick. It takes about two weeks for it to be effective.

Infected individuals often don't know they're sick, because there often aren't symptoms until it becomes active TB disease. However, sometimes there are signs.

TB Symptoms

A bad cough lasting more than two weeks
Coughing up blood
Chest pains
Fatigue or weakness
Fever
Poor appetite and weight loss
Night sweats
Chills

At that point, infected individuals can release TB bacteria into the air when they sneeze, cough or speak.

Here's a look at the number of confirmed TB cases in the region since 2021:

2021: 16
2022: 28
2023: 31
2024: 25
2025: 18

Should I get a TB test?

You should be tested for TB infection if:

You have spent time with someone with infectious TB.
You are from a country where TB disease is common, such as countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.
You have HIV infection or another condition that places you at high risk for TB disease.

TB testing is also required for health care workers and students working in health care settings. You can schedule a TB test — by appointment only — at the health department's TB clinic at 400 E. Gray St. Call 502-574-6617 to make an appointment.

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