Tuberculosis
- Introduction
- Recommendations
- Vaccination
- Overview of Disease
- The Illness
- Treatment
- Further Information
Introduction
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread through sneezing, coughing or direct, close contact with respiratory secretions from an infected individual. TB can affect any part of the body.
Recommendations for Travellers
If you have concerns regarding potential exposure to tuberculosis during travel please speak to your travel health practitioner for more information.
Vaccination
The vaccine that protects against TB is called the 'BCG' vaccine. In the United Kingdom, routine BCG vaccination for teenagers was discontinued in 2005.
BCG may be required for those who have not previously been vaccinated , according to the destination and the nature of travel. The vaccine is recommended for those under 16 years of age who are going to live and work with local people for more than three months in an area where the incidence of tuberculosis is high.
Overview of Disease
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread through respiratory contact (coughs, sneezes from an infected individual) but the disease can affect any part of the body
Tuberculosis is found throughout the world. Areas of particular risk include Africa and Asia. 64% of cases globally are found in 7 countries: India, Indonesia, China, Phillipines, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa.
The Illness
Tuberculosis symptoms are varied and can depend upon the part of the body that has been infected. General symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, night sweats and tiredness.
Respiratory tuberculosis can cause persistent, productive cough and may be accompanied by blood-streaked sputum.
The disease is treatable if diagnosed and treatment is completed. The illness is more severe in children, those with other underlying illness (particularly HIV) and in smokers. Over 95% of deaths from TB occur in developing countries.
Treatment
Treatment for tuberculosis is with a combination of antibiotics over a minimum of 6 months.
Further Information