Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by bacteria. It is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets. We work to treat clients with tuberculosis in order to prevent the disease from spreading.

Testing

Tuberculosis testing is performed at the Westside Public Health Center by appointment. Call 417-874-1220 to make an appointment. The fee for the test is $18.00.

Case Management

Nurse case managers provide one-on-one attention to clients with latent tuberculosis infection or tuberculosis disease. Clients meet with a nurse case manager on a routine basis during the treatment period to assess the patient's physical response to the medication and to ensure the medication is taken properly. The treatment period may vary depending upon the client's individual needs and his response to treatment. Clients with a primary healthcare provider or specialist may have their care coordinated through the nurse case manager and their personal physician.

We also provide contact investigation and follow up to individuals who may have been exposed to someone with tuberculosis, in order to prevent spread of the disease.

You are eligible for case management, at no cost, if you

• are exposed to a known case of tuberculosis
• show symptoms of tuberculosis disease
• have tuberculosis disease or latent tuberculosis infection

Clinician Information

• Factsheets at CDC
• Treatment Guidelines at CDC
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Tuberculosis Manual

Tuberculosis Staff

• Carolyn Slavens, BSN, RN, Community Health Nurse
  cslavens@springfieldmo.gov | 417-864-1697
  Carolyn has been at the Health Department since 1993. She is currently practicing as a Community Health Nurse in the health department's tuberculosis clinic. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing at Southwest Baptist University—St. John's School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
• Diana Hannen, BSN, RN, Community Health Nurse
  Dhannen@springfieldmo.gov | 417-864-1682
  Diana received her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Diana has been a registered nurse since 2005 and previously worked as a nurse in a pediatric intensive care unit, as a sexual assault nurse examiner, as a diabetes nurse educator, and as a case manager for children with special needs. Diana has been a nurse in the sexually transmitted disease (STD) as well as the tuberculosis (TB) clinic since September 2009.