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Tuberculosis (TB) |
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 Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from contagious disease in the world. Each year about 1.7 million people die from this curable disease, but if not treated properly, it can be fatal. Overall, one-third of the world's population is currently infected with the TB bacteria. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. People who are not sick have what is called latent TB infection. Most people who have a latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. However, some people with latent TB infection go on to develop active TB, and then they do become infectious. Like the common cold, TB spreads through the air by coughing and sneezing. Only people who have active TB disease are infectious. When infectious people cough, sneeze, talk or spit, they propel TB germs into the air. A person needs only to inhale a small number of these to be infected. TB is not spread by shaking hands; sharing food or drink; touching bed linens or toilet seats; sharing toothbrushes; kissing; smoking; or sharing cigarettes.  |
Symptoms
may include a bad cough that lasts over three weeks; coughing up
blood or phlegm; or chest pain. Other symptoms may include weakness
or fatigue; weight loss; chills or fever; and night sweats. People
with active TB disease can be treated and often cured if they seek
medical help. En
Español / In Spanish: Multi Drug
Resistant Tuberculosis: The most important thing a person can do to prevent the spread of MDR TB is to take all of their medications exactly as prescribed by their health care provider. No doses should be missed and treatment should not be stopped early. Health care providers can help prevent MDR TB by quickly diagnosing cases, following recommended treatment guidelines, monitoring patients’ response to treatment, and making sure therapy is completed.
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