
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs. TB is caused by a type of bacteria that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or spit.
TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. Not everyone infected with TB germs becomes sick. As a result, 2 TB-related conditions exist: inactive TB (or latent TB infection) and active TB disease.
If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
Burden
In 2023, the US reported more than 9,600 cases of TB, which was a 16% increase from 2022 and represented the highest number of cases reported since 2013.
Anyone can get TB, but people at higher risk include those who:
- Were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB is common
- Live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common, such as homeless shelters, prisons, or jails
- Recently spent time with someone who has active TB disease
- Have a weaker immune system because of certain medications or health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV
- Work in places where TB is more likely to spread, such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes
Symptoms
Symptoms of active TB disease include:
-
- Cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Night sweats
People with inactive TB do not have symptoms. However, without treatment, they can develop active TB disease and become sick.
Prevention
If you have inactive TB, treating it is the best way to prevent active TB disease. Without treatment, people with inactive TB can develop active TB disease.
Testing
The only way to know if you have TB is to get tested. TB testing involves a skin test or a blood test to determine if you have TB.
Treatment
Both inactive TB (also called latent TB infection) and active TB disease can be treated. TB treatment can take many months and require multiple antibiotics. It is important to finish all TB medicines exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Completing treatment for inactive TB and active TB disease can protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community. Antibiotic resistance is a common concern since some TB germs become resistant to the drugs used to treat them.
Updated January 2025
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention