Who should get tested for TB?
You should get tested for TB if you have any of the following risk factors:
What if I test positive for TB?
If you have a positive reaction to the TB test, the Health District will schedule a chest x-ray. A test of the phlegm you cough up may be required after your X-rays are reviewed.
How do they test for TB?
The TB skin test is used to find out if you have TB infection. A small amount of testing fluid is injected just under the skin on the underside of the forearm. After two or three days, you must return to have your skin test read by a health care worker to determine if it is positive or negative. A positive result usually means that you have been infected by someone with active TB disease. If you miss the skin reading, the entire test will have to be given again.
What are symptoms of TB?
Symptoms 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:
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But TB bacteria can [...]
What is the Health District doing about Aedes mosquitoes?
The Health District’s Vector Surveillance program has been looking for this species of mosquito since 2014. In addition to Southern [...]
Are they in other states?
The Aedes mosquito species has been found in several states including California and Arizona. In addition, it has been identified [...]
How do I get rid of Aedes mosquitoes in my yard?
Mosquitoes only need about one cup of water to breed. The Health District recommends eliminating breeding sites around your yard. [...]
If I live in an area or visit an area where mosquitoes with Zika have been reported and I am bitten am I likely to get sick?
While there is no way to tell for certain, a majority of people who become ill with Zika or other [...]
If I’m bitten by an Aedes mosquito, will I automatically get sick with Zika or one of the other diseases?
Not all mosquitoes carry diseases. Most people who are bitten by an Aedes or any other mosquito will not get [...]
What kinds of illnesses does the Aedes mosquito spread?
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can spread Zika virus, dengue fever and chikungunya diseases. While many people who are infected [...]
How do I know if the mosquitoes at my house have Zika, West Nile or St. Louis Encephalitis or some other virus?
Unless mosquitoes are trapped by Vector Surveillance and tested at the Department of Agriculture, it would be impossible to [...]
How do I know if I have the Aedes mosquitoes in my yard? Will the Health District test mosquitoes in my yard?
If you are experiencing mosquito activity, especially daytime biting mosquitoes at your home, please contact the Vector Surveillance Program at [...]
How is the Aedes different from other mosquitoes?
Aedes mosquitoes are different in that they bite during the daytime hours. In some places, Aedes mosquitoes have been found [...]
Does it mean more illness in the community?
The arrival of the Aedes mosquitoes in Clark County does not necessarily mean more illness in the community, but [...]
What does it mean that the Aedes mosquitoes have been found here?
The Aedes mosquito can transmit viruses like Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. If you have been to an area where [...]
If they are found on one side of town, does it mean that there are no mosquitoes on the other side of town?
Mosquitoes can travel. Some can fly over a mile. Although Aedes aegypti are not strong fliers, it does not mean [...]
How many mosquitoes were found?
Three mosquitoes were found in the initial trap set. This is a new species identified in Nevada and one of [...]
Where was it found?
The Aedes mosquito species has been found in 89032 ZIP code. The Health District’s Vector Surveillance program has trapped [...]
What is the aedes mosquito?
The Aedes aegypti mosquito has been identified in Clark County and can spread viruses like Zika, dengue, chikungunya.
Where can I obtain additional information?
Additional information about BSE or vaccines manufactured with bovine-derived materials from countries on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s list can [...]
Why is FDA leaving vaccine on the market that did not follow its own recommendations regarding sourcing of bovine derived materials?
The FDA has looked at the benefit of vaccines and the risk of vCJD from vaccine use. Vaccines have a [...]
Should I delay an immunization order to reduce the chances of being exposed to the BSE agent?
No. The Public Health Service (PHS) recommends that all persons continue to be vaccinated according to current schedules. No evidence [...]
When will vaccine manufactures finish replacing cow-derived materials in vaccines with materials obtained from countries free of BSE?
All of the affected manufactures have agreed to implement these changes or have already done so. FDA anticipates that most [...]
Why is the Food and Drug Administration now requiring that vaccine manufacturers not use bovine-materials from cattle born, raised, or slaughtered in countries where BSE is known to exist or where there is a risk that BSE may exist?
The FDA is taking this action as a precautionary measure. This action is intended to reduce even the remote risk [...]
My child was just immunized. Should I be worried?
No. The Public Health Service (PHS) recommends that all persons continue to be vaccinated according to current schedules. No evidence [...]
What steps has the FDA taken to ensure that people are not exposed to the BSE agent in vaccines?
FDA has taken a number of measures to minimize any chance that the BSE could be introduced into biologic products [...]
How did FDA derive its risk estimates and decide the risk of vCJD from vaccines was remote and theoretical?
Scientists, regulatory authorities in Europe and the pharmaceutical industry of the U.S. have considered the risk of BSE in pharmaceutical [...]
What is the risk of getting vCJD if a vaccine contained the BSE agent?
There is no evidence to date that vaccines have contributed to the cases of vCJD seen in Europe. Nor is [...]
What is the chance/risk that a vaccine on the market in the US contains the BSE agent?
Both the FDA and its joint advisory committee concluded that the risk for vCJD posed by vaccines is theoretical and [...]
Which countries are on the U. S. Department of Agriculture list of countries where BSE is known to exist or where a substantial risk for BSE exists?
Initially, the USDA list included only countries and other regions in which BSE was known to exist, such as the [...]
Does all bovine material have the same risk of transmitting the BSE agent?
Scientists have found that different bovine tissues contain different amounts of the BSE agent. It is generally believed that the [...]
Which bovine derived materials are used in vaccine manufacture?
Animal-derived products used in vaccine manufacture can include: Amino acids Glycerol Detergents Gelatin Enzymes Blood Cow milk is a source [...]
Why are animal products used in the manufacture of vaccines?
Vaccines contain either killed or weakened forms of disease-causing bacteria or viruses, or components of these that stimulate a response [...]
What is the association between BSE in cattle and vCJD in humans?
Some cases of variant Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease have been attributed to, among other possibilities, eating beef products from cattle infected [...]
What is variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD)?
Variant Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease (vCJD) is another rare and fatal human neurological disease that falls into the category of transmissible [...]
What is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)?
CJD is a slow degenerative human disease of the central nervous system. It is classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy [...]
Does BSE or a similar disease occur in humans?
Yes. The human diseases are very rare and occur sporadically worldwide at a rate of about one case per one [...]
What is Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)?
BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) is a progressive neurological disorder of cattle, and has been called “mad cow disease.” Its symptoms [...]
Where can I get more information?
Visit the HPV webpage for more information on HPV and cervical cancer. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [...]
Should people be screened before getting vaccinated?
No. People do not need to get an HPV test or PAP test to find out if they should get [...]
Will females who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening?
Yes. There are three reasons why women will still need regular cervical cancer screening. The vaccine will NOT protect against [...]
What kind of government programs may be available to cover HPV vaccine?
The Southern Nevada Health District participates in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) federal health program which covers the HPV vaccine. [...]
Will the HPV vaccine be covered by insurance plans?
While some insurance companies may cover the vaccine, others may not. Most large insurance plans usually cover the costs of [...]
Does this vaccine contain thimerosal or mercury?
No. There is no thimerosal or mercury in the HPV vaccine. It is made up of proteins from the outer [...]
Will people be protected against HPV and related diseases, even if they don’t get all three doses?
No studies have shown whether or not one or two doses protect as well as getting three doses, so it's [...]
What does the vaccine not protect against?
Because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV, it will not prevent all cases of cervical, penile, [...]
How long does vaccine protection last? Will a booster shot be needed?
The length of vaccine protection (immunity) is usually not known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies have [...]
Should pregnant women get the vaccine?
The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. There has been limited research looking at vaccine safety for pregnant women [...]
Why is the HPV vaccine only recommended for people ages 9 to 26?
The vaccine has been widely tested in people 9 to 26 years old. But research on the vaccine’s safety and [...]
Will sexually active people benefit from the vaccine?
People who are sexually active may also benefit from the vaccine. But they may get less benefit from the vaccine [...]
Why is the HPV vaccine recommended at ages 11 or 12 years?
Ideally, people should get the vaccine before they are sexually active. This is because the vaccine is most effective in [...]
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11 to 12 year-olds, and can be given to people as young as nine. [...]
Does the Southern Nevada Health District offer the HPV vaccine?
Yes. Visit the Immunizations webpage for clinic locations and hours.
Where can I get more information?
Pregnant women who test positive for hepatitis B or want additional information on the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program, [...]
Why do my sex partner and people living in my home need to be tested?
Since hepatitis B can be passed to them by blood or body fluid exposure, they should be tested to [...]
How can my child get hepatitis B?
Hepatitis Bis spread by contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person. Children can get infected by:Contact with [...]
What if my child was not given HBIG and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth?
It is recommended that your child receive treatment within 12 hours of birth, however, they can receive the vaccine [...]
Can I breast-feed my baby if I’m hepatitis B positive?
Yes. Breast-feeding is acceptable when your baby has received HBIG and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine in [...]
What if my baby does not get the hepatitis B vaccine?
Up to nine out of 10 babies born to infected mothers will end up being carriers for the rest [...]
Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe?
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective for everyone: newborns, adolescents and adults.Vaccine reactions are generally mild and don’t [...]
What does the hepatitis B vaccine do for my baby?
The vaccine helps your baby make antibodies, which protect him or her from hepatitis B. These antibodies will help fight [...]
What are some of the effects of hepatitis B on children?
Up to 90 percent of babies infected at birth with hepatitis B become carriers.Carriers of hepatitis B can pass it [...]
What is hepatitis B virus?
Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can sometimes lead [...]
Where can I get more information?
For more information contact your health care provider or the Immunization Clinic at (702) 759-0850.
What should I do if I have side effects from the flu shot?
Severe allergic reactions are very rare, but if they occur it would be a few minutes to just a few [...]
Are there side effects from the regular seasonal flu shot?
Side effects for the seasonal flu shot are mild and mostly include soreness or redness at the injection site. Sometimes [...]
Should anyone not receive the flu vaccine?
Yes. Some people should not get vaccinated. People who cannot get a flu shot: Children younger than 6 months old. [...]
Is the flu vaccine recommended for certain people?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine for people over the age of 6 [...]
Why do I need a flu vaccination every year?
Flu viruses change from year to year, which means two things: You can get the flu more than once during [...]
How do flu vaccines work?
Flu vaccines use killed or weakened forms of flu viruses to stimulate production of antibodies in the body. Once your [...]
How does HIV cause AIDS?
HIV destroys a certain kind of blood cell (CD4+ T cells), which is crucial to the normal function of the [...]
Why is injecting drugs a risk for HIV?
At the start of every intravenous injection, blood enters the needle and syringe. HIV can be found in the blood [...]
Is there a connection between HIV and other STDs?
Yes. Having a STD can increase a person's risk of becoming infected with HIV. If the STD infection causes irritation [...]
What if I test positive for HIV?
If you test positive for HIV, the sooner you take steps to protect your health, the better. Early medical treatment [...]
How can I get tested for HIV?
HIV antibody testing is a simple oral or blood test performed by a trained professional. This procedure is strictly confidential. [...]
How can I tell if I’m infected with HIV?
The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on [...]
How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV?
The tests commonly used to detect HIV infection are actually looking for antibodies produced by your immune system when you [...]
Can I get HIV through casual contact?
HIV is not transmitted by casual contact including: Touching, talking, or sharing a home with a person who is [...]
How is HIV passed from one person to another?
HIV transmission can occur when fluids (shown to contain high concentrations of HIV) from an infected person enter the body [...]
Is there a cure for AIDS?
HIV destroys a certain kind of blood cell (CD4+ T cells), which is crucial to the normal function of [...]
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Acquired means you can get infected with it; Immune Deficiency means a weakness [...]
What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and it weakens the body's immune system (your defense against infections). It is the [...]
How can congenital syphilis affect my baby?
It can have major health impacts on your baby. How congenital syphilis affects your baby’s health depends on how long you had syphilis and if — or when — you got treatment for the infection.
If I get treated and am cured, can I get syphilis again?
Yes. Having syphilis does not give you immunity from getting syphilis again.
Do condoms work for syphilis?
Using a condom correctly and consistently can reduce the risk of infection. However, sores and rashes associated with syphilis infection [...]
How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis is treated by an intermuscular injection of Benzathine Penicillin G. Not everyone responds to the normal dosage so follow-up [...]
Does syphilis pose special problems for people with HIV?
It can. People with HIV sometimes have unusual results on syphilis blood tests, which can make it more difficult to [...]
How do I avoid getting syphilis?
Plan ahead. Protect yourself. If you're thinking of having sex with a new partner: Talk about STDs Tell your [...]
What can I do if I have syphilis?
You and your sex partner(s) must be examined and treated. If partners are not treated, they can give the infection back to you, or infect others.
Is syphilis dangerous?
Yes. Syphilis is very dangerous. In addition to infecting other people, untreated syphilis can cause brain damage, heart disease, neurological problems and other long-term health problems. Once internal damage is done from syphilis it cannot be repaired, even after being cured from the syphilis itself.
How would I know if I have syphilis?
If you have a sore on your genitals, have an STD check. Special tests can diagnose syphilis from sores and blood. Anytime you have a test for STDs, ask for a syphilis blood test also. Syphilis is known as the great imitator because its symptoms often resemble other STDs.
How do people get syphilis?
Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external [...]
Who should be tested for syphilis?
In Nevada, pregnant women are required to be tested in the first and third trimester...
Can syphilis be cured?
Yes, with proper medical treatment all stages of syphilis can be cured. However, internal damage done during late stages of syphilis and neurosyphilis cannot be reversed
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications [...]
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum.
Where can I get more information?
See your health care provider, visit the Sexual Health Clinic webpages or call the Sexual Health Clinic at (702) 759-0702.
How can gonorrhea be prevented?
The best way to avoid spreading STDs is to not have sex, or to have sex with only one partner [...]
What is the treatment for gonorrhea?
Several antibiotics can cure gonorrhea. However, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing and successful treatment of gonorrhea is becoming more [...]