{"id":59263,"date":"2024-09-12T15:53:28","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T15:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/?p=59263"},"modified":"2024-09-17T11:30:52","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T11:30:52","slug":"tuberculosis-prevention-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/tuberculosis-prevention-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Tuberculosis Prevention and Control: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tuberculosis (TB) has long been a cause for concern, once feared as the “White Plague” that claimed countless lives.\nToday, 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\u2019s what you need to know about protecting yourself and others from TB.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the deal with tuberculosis (TB)? A look back and how it spreads.<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t worry, TB isn\u2019t as contagious as you might think\u2014you\u2019d need prolonged close contact with someone who has active TB to be at real risk.<\/p>\n

The two sides of TB: Latent vs. Active<\/h2>\n

TB can manifest in two different forms: latent and active.<\/p>\n