Per CDC:
Key points
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Two TB-related conditions exist: inactive TB and active TB disease.
Getting tested and treated for TB can protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community.
TB usually affects the lungs. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. TB can also affect multiple parts of the body at the same time. For example, TB can affect both the lungs and lymph nodes.
Quick Facts
TB disease is one of the world's leading infectious disease killers.
CDC estimates up to 13 million people in the United States live with inactive TB.
Without treatment, 1 in 10 people with inactive TB will get sick with active TB disease. TB disease can spread to others and be deadly.
In 2023, there were 9,633 cases of TB disease reported in the United States
Symptoms of active TB disease include:
A cough that lasts three weeks or longer
Chest pain
Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
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.
To learn more visit: About Tuberculosis | Tuberculosis (TB) | CDC
