Services List
Tuberculosis (TB) Program
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB bacteria can attack any part of the body, but usually attacks the lungs. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
TB is spread through the air from one person to another when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of TB depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. TB bacteria usually grow in the lungs. TB in the lungs may cause symptoms such as:
A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
Pain in the chest
Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
Weakness or fatigue
Weight loss
No appetite
Chills
Fever
Sweating at night
A TB skin test is given to determine TB infection. You can get this test at the Health Department or your primary physician's office. Public Health investigates and monitors cases of TB to control transmission and prevent community outbreaks. We also provide medication and chest x-rays if needed.
Contact information for Health Department tuberculosis nurses in the Coastal Health District:
Bryan County
Pembroke
Joanne Burnsed
Lisa Summerford
912-653-4331
Richmond Hill
Stephanie Keene
Sharon Estill
912-756-2611
Camden County
Nicole Hiller
912-729-4554
Chatham County
Staci Ray-Whalen
912-356-2155
Effingham County
Christina Whetstone
912-754-6484 Ext. 5238
Glynn County
Deborah Epps
912-264-3961 Ext. 3245
Liberty County
Annie Washington
912-876-2173 Ext. 218
Long County
Kathy Rowell
912-545-2107 Ext. 233
McIntosh County
Paige Lightsey
912-832-5473 Ext. 110