Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually attacks the lungs, but can attack other parts of the body as well. TB spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes or talks. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. People who are not sick have what is called latent TB infection. People who have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any TB symptoms , and cannot spread TB to others. They may develop active TB disease if they do not receive treatment for latent TB infection.
If you think you have been exposed to TB, contact your physician as soon as possible.
For more information on tuberculosis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a web page with answers to frequently asked questions about TB.
You may also wish to contact your State TB Control Office .
Health Observances:
- March 24 is World TB Day , designated to provide an opportunity to communicate TB-related problems and solutions and to support worldwide TB-control efforts.