What is Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.1
It is an airborne disease that is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits.
While it often affects the lungs, it may spread to the kidneys, spine and brain.2
Usually treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without treatment.
Persons at risk include those who:
- Are diabetic
- Have weakened immune systems (e.g. HIV, on immunosuppressants)
- Regularly smoke and consume alcohol
- Are children under age of 5
- Living in overcrowded environments
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