Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease which usually affects the lungs, although it can cause illness in other parts of the body. It is transmitted by coughing from person to person only – there is no source in the environment.

Testing

The common symptoms of pulmonary TB are coughing, sometimes with a little blood in the sputum (phlegm), weight loss, fever, night sweats and feeling tired. Typically, symptoms are present for at least 2 weeks and get gradually worse. Children can get TB, but are rarely infectious to others, as coughing is less common. TB is more common in those from SE Asia and some parts of Eastern Europe and Africa, so the diagnosis can be unsuspected in locals for weeks.

You will need to have a chest X-ray to help determine if you have an active infection. Persons with active TB disease in their lungs or respiratory system are contagious. After reviewing your medical history and chest X-ray, health department clinic staff will discuss options for preventive treatment so that you don’t develop active TB from your exposure.