The Department is contracted by the State of Nebraska Tuberculosis (TB) Program to conduct investigations of active TB cases, including investigating case contacts. Department nurses case manage individuals in Sarpy and Cass counties who have been diagnosed with active TB. This involves working closely with the patient’s physician to observe the patient through Direct Observation Therapy (DOT), ensuring compliance with the prescribed treatment.
What is Tuberculosis (TB?)
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
For more information visit Nebraska Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program website.