What is TB?
Tuberculosis (often called TB) is an airborne infection caused by bacterium mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually attacks the lungs, but can attack almost any part of the body. TB can be spread by coughing, sneezing, laughing or singing. People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected. Repeated exposure to someone with TB disease is generally necessary for infection to take place. TB is usually spread between family members, close friends, and people who work or live together.
What are the Symptoms of TB?
A person with TB disease may have any, all or none of the following symptoms:
Testing for TB Infection
There are two kinds of tests that are used to detect TB bacteria in the body: the TB skin test (TST) and TB blood tests. If you have a positive reaction to either of these tests, you will be given other tests to see if you have latent TB infection or TB disease.
Tuberculosis Control Program at the Connecticut Department of Public Health:
https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Tuberculosis/Tuberculosis-Control-Program
The Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program works to interrupt and prevent transmission of TB, prevent emergence of drug-resistant TB, and reduce and prevent death, disability, illness, emotional trauma, family disruption, and social stigma caused by TB.
For more information go to:
HOW TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by program name: Tuberculosis
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SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Lung Association
PREPARED BY: 211/mm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: October2023