A total of 1.6 million people died from Tuberculosis (TB) in 2021 (including 187 000 people with HIV). Worldwide, TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS). (WHO)
Tuberculosis, an infectious disease which is caused by the mycobacterium bacteria, typically affects the lungs but can affect any organ in the body. Bacteria in the airborne droplets can cause it to grow.
Although the bacteria that cause tuberculosis can live in your body, your immune system usually works to keep you healthy. For this reason, medical professionals distinguish between:
Latent TB: Latent TB, also called inactive TB or TB infection, isn’t contagious. You have a TB infection, but the bacteria in your body are inactive and cause no symptoms. Latent TB can turn into active TB, so treatment is important.
Active TB: Often known as TB sickness, makes you unwell and, in most situations, can spread to other people. It might happen shortly after TB bacterial infection or years later. (Mayo Clinic)
The signs and symptoms of active TB include:
* Coughing for three or more weeks
* Coughing up blood or mucus
* Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
* Unintentional weight loss
* Fatigue
* Fever
* Night sweats
* Chills
* Loss of appetite
TB bacteria spread through the air from one person to another when a person who has TB disease of the lungs or throat speaks, sings, or coughs.
TB is NOT transmitted by;
* Shaking hands
* Sharing food or drink
* Touching toilet seats or bed linens
* Sharing toothbrushes
* Kissing
TB can be lethal if left untreated but it is preventable and treatable. Visit the nearest clinic for a test if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms.
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