Frequently Asked Questions

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium (or germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the United States, most TB disease cases in people are caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Other mycobacteria (such as Mycobacterium bovis) can also cause TB disease in people.

TB usually affects the lungs. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or 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 simultaneously.

Not everyone infected with TB germs becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: inactive TB (or latent TB infection) and active TB disease.

If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

Symptoms of TB can be different depending on the site of disease. The most common site for TB to develop is in the lungs, but TB can cause disease anywhere blood flows.

Symptoms of pulmonary TB (in the lungs or respiratory tract) include:

• A cough that lasts three weeks or longer
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)

Other generalized symptoms of TB:

• Weakness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Unexpected weight loss
• Chills
• Fever
• Night sweats (usually drenching clothing or bed coverings)

While most people experience symptoms, a person can have TB disease without symptoms if TB disease is identified early. Early identification is critical to preventing the spread of TB in the community.

Other potential signs of active TB disease in persons with risk factors may include:

• Recurrent infections despite treatment with antibiotics that would normally cure the illness (e.g., pneumonia, infections in the bones or joints or any other body site).
• An abnormal chest x-ray with nodules, infiltrates, pleural effusions, or cavities.
• Difficulty getting pregnant, or frequent miscarriages in persons from areas of the world with higher incidences of TB.

Anyone can get TB, but your risk may be higher if you:

• Were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB is common, including some countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common, such as homeless shelters and correctional facilities.
• Recently spent time with someone who has active TB disease
• Have a weaker immune system because of certain medications or health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV.
• Work in places where TB is more likely to spread, such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes.

Yes. In 2023, 624 cases of active TB disease were identified in Florida (a rate of 2.8 per 100,000 persons).

TB in the United States and Florida by the numbers:

• 8,331 reported TB cases in the United States in 2023  (a rate of 2.9 cases per 100,000 persons).
• 60 jurisdictions (e.g., states, cities, U.S. territories, and affiliated areas) that report TB data to CDC.
• Up to 13 million estimated number of people in the United States living with latent TB infection.

Source: Data and Statistics accessed 10/01/2024.

TB germs can get into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment.

TB germs are more likely to spread in indoor areas or other places with poor air circulation (such as a closed vehicle) than in outdoor areas. People nearby may breathe in these germs and become infected.

TB germs are not spread by:

• Shaking someone's hand
• Sharing food or drink
• Touching bed linens or toilet seats
• Sharing toothbrushes
• Kissing

Rarely, TB may be spread by:

• Consuming or processing raw, unpasteurized dairy products or wild game meat contaminated with TB (more common in other countries where TB is more prevalent). Visit About Bovine Tuberculosis in Humans for further information on how to reduce the risk.
• Occupational exposure during medical procedures that aerosolize infectious secretions from any part of the body, or direct inoculation into a wound or body site via needlestick, contaminated equipment, or any other means TB may be directly introduced into the body. This type of exposure usually occurs before TB is suspected or diagnosed. 

TB is not spread by persons who are not sick with TB (inactive or latent TB infection). 

• Complete a TB risk assessment and questionnaire to determine if you are at risk or have signs or symptoms of active TB disease.
• If you have risk factors for TB, present the questionnaire to your doctor, a walk-in clinic provider, or your local health department and request testing. Let them know you have TB risk factors and request an appointment for TB testing. The risk assessment will help the health department determine your eligibility for public health services as well as help identify whether additional screening tests need to be completed at the time of testing

• If you have no symptoms, and your TB test is negative, you most likely do not have TB infection or disease.
• If you have a positive TB test and no TB signs or symptoms, you must have a chest x-ray to screen for signs of active pulmonary TB disease. If your chest x-ray is negative, you most likely have an inactive/latent TB infection (LTBI) that should be treated as soon as possible to prevent you from getting sick, which will help prevent the spread of TB to others.
• If you have TB symptoms or an abnormal chest x-ray with findings suggestive of possible TB disease (regardless of your TB skin test or blood test result), the health department must be notified. Your local health department will assign a TB Nurse Case Manager to determine your health and social needs and advocate on your behalf to help ensure you receive a thorough medical evaluation and treatment for active TB disease, if needed.

Testing is offered at local health departments to persons that meet eligibility requirements. Contact your local health department for more information about eligibility requirements for TB testing, evaluation, and treatment. Most health departments in Florida do not offer TB testing and treatment to low-risk individuals.

Most primary health care providers, specialists, walk-in clinics, and community health centers offer TB testing and treatment options for latent TB infection.

Follow your doctor’s advice by obtaining the required tests and taking the medicine as prescribed until therapy has been considered complete. Today, TB is easily prevented and can be cured with medication.