Travel & Tuberculosis Screening

Tuberculosis Screening Recommendations for Travel

According to the CDC, only travelers at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB) need to be tested before and after travel.

This includes:

• Those who plan to stay in a TB-endemic country for greater than 3 months.
• Healthcare workers in routine contact with patients in healthcare facilities for greater than 1 month.
• Populations living in congregate settings (e.g., homeless shelters, prisons, refugee camps, shanty towns.)

People at low exposure to TB, which includes most travelers, do not need to be screened before of after travel.

Post travel screening for those who were screened prior to travel is recommended at 8 weeks after the exposure period or later. Because the greatest risk of developing active TB is within the first 2 years of infection, travelers should have repeat screening conducted at 1-2 year intervals if risk continues.

Tuberculosis screening is recommended for all travelers that develop symptoms of TB or had a potential exposure to tuberculosis.

Student Health Can Help!

Student Health offers TB skin tests and blood work for tuberculosis testing. If positive, students can meet with a medical provider to receive further evaluation and discuss chest x-ray and treatment of latent tuberculosis if needed.

Call Student Health at (920) 424-2424 to schedule an appointment and speak with a provider about:

• Pre/Post travel TB screening recommendations
• Schedule a TB skin or blood test
• TB symptoms
• Potential TB exposure