Tuberculosis Prevention and Control: Everything You Need to Know

Tuberculosis (TB) has long been a cause for concern, once feared as the “White Plague” that claimed countless lives. Today, TB is still a major health issue globally, despite being preventable and treatable. Understanding how TB spreads and knowing the strategies for prevention and control is key to stopping this disease in its tracks. Here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself and others from TB.

What’s the deal with tuberculosis (TB)? A look back and how it spreads.

TB has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt. In the 19th century, it was a leading cause of death in Europe and North America, often referred to as “consumption.” Even today, TB continues to be a significant issue, particularly in developing nations.

The disease is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, like the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or even talks, releasing tiny droplets that can be inhaled by others. But don’t worry, TB isn’t as contagious as you might think—you’d need prolonged close contact with someone who has active TB to be at real risk.

The two sides of TB: Latent vs. Active

TB can manifest in two different forms: latent and active.

• Latent TB: The bacteria are in the body, but the immune system keeps them under control. No symptoms, no risk of spreading the disease—but there’s a chance latent TB can become active if the immune system weakens.
• Active TB: This is when symptoms appear, and the disease can spread to others. Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

Recognizing these stages is critical for early intervention and preventing the spread of TB.

OSHA standards for preventing TB in your workplace.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) plays a key role in regulating workplace safety, including TB prevention. Here are the three main strategies recommended by OSHA to reduce the risk of TB:

1. Administrative Controls: Policies and procedures to reduce TB risk. This includes conducting risk assessments, screening employees, and implementing a TB infection control plan.
2. Environmental Controls: Ensuring proper ventilation, using HEPA filters, and UV lights to kill airborne TB bacteria.
3. Respiratory Protection: Making sure employees have access to the right masks and respirators, especially in high-risk areas.

Directive CPL 02-02-078 is OSHA’s detailed playbook for TB prevention, guiding employers on everything from assessing risks to implementing effective control measures. Regular screening, proper training, and the use of protective equipment are essential for staying compliant with these guidelines.

Respiratory protection: your key to breathing safe air.

When dealing with TB, respiratory protection is critical. The N95 respirator is the most common tool for TB protection, filtering out 95% of airborne particles. But using it correctly is just as important as wearing it:

• Fit Testing: Fit testing ensures the respirator fits properly and provides an adequate seal. This should be done before using a new respirator and repeated annually.
• Maintenance: Regularly cleaning and maintaining respirators ensures they work properly. Disposable respirators should be replaced if damaged or no longer effective.

Keeping your respiratory protection in top shape is a major part of preventing TB in high-risk environments.

Screening and health surveillance for TB: staying ahead of the game to protect yourself and others.

Testing and screening for TB help catch the disease early, before it spreads. There are two main types of tests for TB:

• Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): A small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin, and the test site is checked after a few days for a reaction.
• Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA): A blood test that measures the immune system’s response to TB bacteria. It’s especially useful for those who have had the BCG vaccine.

Regular testing is crucial in high-risk environments like healthcare settings, where early detection can prevent outbreaks. Pre-employment testing, routine check-ups, and post-exposure testing are all part of a comprehensive TB prevention strategy.

If TB is suspected, here’s what you should do next.

If TB is suspected, quick action is necessary to prevent its spread:

• Isolation: The individual should be isolated immediately, either by sending them home or placing them in a negative pressure room.
• Medical Evaluation: A healthcare provider should conduct a full evaluation, including a chest X-ray and possibly a sputum test.
• Report and Record: Following local reporting requirements, the case must be reported to public health authorities.

If TB is confirmed, isolation continues until the patient is no longer contagious, typically two weeks after starting treatment. Standard treatment involves a six to nine-month course of antibiotics, and adherence to the treatment plan is crucial to prevent drug-resistant TB.

How employers and employees can team up to stop TB in its tracks.

Preventing TB in the workplace is a team effort. Employers should conduct risk assessments, implement control measures, and provide training. Employees must follow procedures, use PPE, and report any symptoms immediately. Regular education and training ensure everyone is informed and ready to act.

Stay Informed and stay safe with the proper training.

Tuberculosis may be a serious global health issue, but with the right knowledge, preventative strategies, and adherence to OSHA guidelines, it’s a challenge we can meet head-on. Staying proactive through regular screening, proper use of respiratory protection, and working together to control and prevent TB can significantly reduce the spread of this disease.

Stay informed, protected, and committed to beating TB once and for all with our Tuberculosis: Prevention and Control Training Course!

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – “About Tuberculosis” Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.html

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – “OSHA’s TB Enforcement Procedures” Available at: https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/cpl-02-02-078

World Health Organization (WHO) – “Global Tuberculosis Report 2023” Available at: https://www.who.int/tb/publications/global_report/en/