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Tuberculosis, what happens next?

If your GP suspects you of having tuberculosis, he/she will refer you for further investigations. If you are confirmed as having tuberculosis, your GP must report this to the GGD. A GGD nurse will contact you and make an appointment for a home visit.

During this visit, you and your family-members receive information about the disease, its treatment and any measures needed to prevent the further spread of TB. 

Are people around you infected?

Are people around you infected?

Together with you, the nurse will draw up a list of people with whom you have been in contact. This will enable the GGD to track down possible infections in your vicinity. Early detection and treatment are important to avoid even more people becoming infected. Your contacts are summoned for an examination by letter. Your name will not be mentioned. People with whom you have had intensive contact will be contacted first. The investigation will be extended if many infections are found in this group.

An investigation may also be needed if you do not know where and when you became infected. In that case, the GGD will summon people in your vicinity for an examination.

Preventing infection

Preventing infection

Have you been confirmed as having lung tuberculosis? If so, always cover your mouth with your hand when you cough or sneeze, and use paper handkerchiefs. This prevents bacteria getting into the air and infecting others.