TB is a bacterial infection primarily affecting, but not limited to, the lungs.
- Over 1/3 of the world’s population has TB
- Respiratory symptoms include feeling unwell, nightsweats, cough and blood stained phlegm
- Spread by droplet, ie sneezing in confined spaces such as public transport and in unpasturised dairy products
- A Mantoux test can determine if a traveller has been exposed to the bacteria
- A newer “Quantiferon” blood test will help detect active disease
- BCG vaccination is available at selected clinics
- TB can usually be cured by a long course of antibiotics