LGL Health Unit Fact Sheet

wants to acknowledge World TB day by reminding the community that tuberculosis is preventable, treatable and curable. Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. If you have been in contact with an infected person, you may be carrying TB germs or bacteria. There are two phases to tuberculosis- TB infection and TB disease. A person with TB infection (also known as latent tuberculosis) is not sick and cannot spread the disease but it may progress to TB disease (also known as active TB). An individual with active TB disease can spread the disease and should seek medical attention. Symptoms of active TB may include: cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, coughing up blood and night sweats. Early detection for TB infection is an important key in the prevention and spread of the disease. The Mantoux Skin Test method is used to diagnose the presence of TB infection. The test is performed by a nurse or doctor and involves injecting a small amount of testing solution just under the skin on your forearm. A nurse or doctor will interpret your skin test 48 to 72 hours after it was given. She or he wil