Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination and Hansen's Disease Program

TB Clinic Information

Our TB clinic supports individuals who may have been exposed to someone with active tuberculosis (TB) or who have received a positive TB test result from another clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office. We follow Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) guidelines to ensure all testing and treatment are conducted safely and accurately.

For follow-up TB treatment, please bring:

• A doctor’s referral
• A copy of your positive TB test result

📞 For appointment details, call (956) 795-4911

Public TB Testing

• Available Mondays only, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Testing is offered once per week to protect public health and maintain infection control
• We use the TB skin test (TST)
• First-come, first-served due to limited supplies
• If tested, you must return within 48–72 hours for evaluation and documentation by TB staff

What to bring for registration:

• $40 testing fee per person
• Fee is non-refundable
• If the 48–72 hour window is missed, a new TST and $40 fee will be required
• Photo ID
• Birth certificate or Social Security card
• If under 18: immunization card and a parent or guardian must be present

About Tuberculosis (TB)

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and usually affects the lungs, though it can also affect other parts of the body. TB is treatable and curable with the right medication.

TB bacteria spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People who breathe in the bacteria can become infected—this is called TB infection. Untreated TB infection can develop into TB disease.

TB Infection vs. TB Disease

• TB Infection (Latent TB): Bacteria are present but inactive. No symptoms and cannot spread TB. Treatment is often recommended to prevent future disease.
• TB Disease: Bacteria are active, causing illness and the ability to spread TB. Common symptoms include:
• Persistent cough lasting 3+ weeks
• Fever or night sweats
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or feeling unwell

TB Testing

• IGRA Blood Test: For high-risk patients 2 years and older
• TB Skin Test (TST): For children 6 months and older. Must be read in person by TB staff within 48–72 hours

A positive test only shows TB bacteria are present. Additional tests, such as a chest X-ray or sputum test, are needed to confirm TB disease.

TB Treatment

• TB Infection: Antibiotics for 4–6 months to prevent disease
• TB Disease: Multiple antibiotics for 6–12 months. Patients must complete the full course as prescribed to prevent relapse or drug-resistant TB

Schools & TB

• Texas schools use a TB questionnaire to identify children at risk. Only at-risk children should receive TB testing
• Routine testing is not required for children with no TB risk factors
• These are recommendations only; school district policy takes precedence

Reporting TB

• TB Infection: Report within 1 week
• TB Disease or suspicion: Report within 1 working day

TB Services Offered

• Contact Screening: Testing for people exposed to someone with TB disease
• Correctional TB Program: Supports jails and correctional facilities
• Binational TB Program – Los Dos Laredos: Serves Laredo and Nuevo Laredo communities

 Staff

• TB Elimination Supervisor:  Robert Salinas RN

  TB Case Manager:  Pedro Molano III BSN, RN

  Los Dos Laredos Binational Coordinator:  Soraida Chapa RN