Preventing Tuberculosis | Tuberculosis (TB)

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id="heading-77t1_qyrh_">Key points</h2> </div> <div class="dfe-section__content"> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">People with inactive tuberculosis (TB), also called latent TB infection, can take treatment to prevent the development of active TB disease.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">People with active TB disease of the lungs or throat may need to take steps to prevent spreading TB germs to others.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">It is important for people to take all TB medicine exactly as prescribed.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Infection control plans can minimize the risk for exposure to and spread of TB in health care settings.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="dfe-section__nav hide" id="dfe-section__nav"> <div class="dfe-section__nav__header" id="dfe-section__nav__header"> </div> <div class="dfe-section__nav-links" id="dfe-section__nav-links"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="dfe-section__image" id="page-summary-image"> <figure class="dfe-image dfe-image__large"><div class="image-container calculated-ratio-16-9 aspect-ratio-16-9"><img src="/tb/media/images/Health_care_worker_providing_DOT_1200x675.JPG" alt="A health care worker wearing a N95 respirator provides treatment for a patient wearing a mask." title="Health care worker providing DOT"></div></figure> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cdc-dfe-body__center "> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_prevention_exposure"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_prevention_exposure-exposure" name="Exposure" title="Exposure"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-fq_layg_bk">Exposure</h2> <p><a href="/tb/about/index.html">TB</a> is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>People who breathe in the air become infected with TB. Not everyone infected with TB germs becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist:</p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1"><a href="/tb/about/inactive-tuberculosis.html">I</a><a href="/tb/about/inactive-tuberculosis.html" class="">nactive TB</a> and<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1"><a href="/tb/about/active-tuberculosis-disease.html">Active TB disease</a><ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>People with active TB disease are most likely to spread TB germs to people they spend time with every day, such as:</p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Family members,<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Friends,<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Coworkers, or<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Schoolmates.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="dfe-block dfe-callout dfe-callout--calltoaction"><h3>If you have been exposed to active TB disease&lrm;&lrm;</h3> <div class="dfe-callout__body"><div class="callout-desc">Contact your health care provider or health department if you think you have been <a href="/tb/exposure/index.html">exposed </a>to someone with active TB disease. Be sure to tell the health care provider when you spent time with the person who has active TB disease.</div> </div><div class="dfe-callout__button"><a href="/tb/php/tb-programs/index.html" class="button hollow">State TB Programs</a></div></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_prevention_risk"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_prevention_risk-risk-factors" name="Risk%20factors" title="Risk factors"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-dzmakjh0re">Risk factors</h2> <h3 id="heading-6ngile5bgn">Anyone can get TB. But people at higher risk for TB fall into two categories</h3> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">People at higher risk of being exposed to TB germs, and<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">People at higher risk of developing active TB disease once infected with TB germs.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <h4 id="heading-phosk0ehai">You have a higher risk of being exposed to TB germs if you</h4> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Were <a href="/tb/risk-factors/country.html">born in or frequently travel to countries where TB is common</a>, including some countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common, such as <a href="/tb/risk-factors/homelessness.html">homeless shelters</a>, <a href="/tb/risk-factors/correctional-facilities.html">prisons</a>, or <a href="/tb/risk-factors/correctional-facilities.html">jails</a><ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Recently spent time with someone who has active TB disease<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Work in places where TB is more likely to spread, such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <h4 id="heading-zl_ywhmila">You have a higher risk of developing TB disease once infected if you</h4> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Were recently infected with TB germs<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Have a weaker immune system because of certain medications or health conditions such as <a href="/tb/risk-factors/diabetes.html" class="ce-selection">diabetes</a>, cancer, or<a href="/tb/risk-factors/hiv.html" class=""> HIV</a>.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/tb/risk-factors/index.html">Tuberculosis Risk Factors</a></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_prevention_sign"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_prevention_sign-what-to-look-out-for" name="What%20to%20look%20out%20for" title="What to look out for"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-x817mpnwcu">What to look out for</h2> <p>Active TB disease in the lungs may cause <a href="/tb/signs-symptoms/index.html">symptoms</a> including:</p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">A cough that last 3 weeks or longer<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Chest pain<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm)<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Weakness or fatigue<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Weight loss<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Loss of appetite<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Chills<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Fever<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Night sweats<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>People with inactive TB do <strong>not </strong>have <a href="/tb/signs-symptoms/index.html">symptoms of TB disease</a>. However, without treatment, they can develop active TB disease and become sick.</p> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/tb/signs-symptoms/index.html">Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis</a></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_prevention_pre"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_prevention_pre-prevention-steps-and-strategies" name="Prevention%20steps%20and%20strategies" title="Prevention steps and strategies"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-ptxwrnuvkp">Prevention steps and strategies</h2> <h3 id="heading-o7ylfvk5fi">If you have inactive TB, treating it is the best way to prevent active TB disease.</h3> <p>Without treatment, people with inactive TB can develop active TB disease. </p> <p>Some people with weakened immune systems (due to <a href="/tb/risk-factors/index.html">certain medications or health conditions</a>) are at very <a href="/tb/risk-factors/index.html">high risk</a> of developing active TB disease once infected with TB germs. It is very important that they receive treatment for inactive TB to prevent the development of active TB disease.</p> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/tb/topic/treatment/ltbi.htm">Treatment Regimens for Latent TB Infection</a></div><h3 id="heading-dhr_pyiuxh">If you have active TB disease of the lungs or throat, you may need to take steps to prevent spreading TB germs to other people.</h3> <p>If you have TB disease of the lungs or throat, you could be infectious. This means you could spread TB germs to others. You and your health care provider will discuss how to prevent the spread of TB germs to other people.</p> <p>The most important way you can prevent the spread of TB is to take all medicines exactly as directed by your health care provider. </p> <p>Keep all your clinic appointments. Your health care provider needs to see how you are doing. This often requires another chest x-ray or a test of the sputum (or phlegm) you may cough up. These tests will show: </p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">If the TB medicines are working<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">If you can still spread TB germs to others<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Be sure to tell your health care provider about anything you think is wrong.</p> <div class="dfe-block dfe-callout dfe-callout--standard"><div class="dfe-callout__icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img"></div> <h3>Take <strong>all</strong> TB medicines <strong>exactly</strong> as prescribed by your health care provider.&lrm;</h3> <div class="dfe-callout__body"><div class="callout-desc"><p>Do not miss any doses and do not stop treatment early. It can be very dangerous to stop taking your medicines or not to take all your medicines regularly. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Tell your health care provider if you are having trouble taking the medicines.</p></div> </div></div> <h4 id="heading-ckexdechpo">If you are in the hospital</h4> <p>If you are sick enough with TB disease to go to a hospital, you may stay in a special room. These rooms use air vents that keep TB germs from spreading to other rooms. People who work in these special rooms must wear a special face mask to protect themselves from TB germs. You must stay in the room so that you will not spread TB germs to other people.</p> <h4 id="heading-zvga68q32p">If you are at home</h4> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Take your medicines as directed. This is very important!<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Always cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or laugh. Put the tissue in a closed bag and throw it away.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Do not go to work or school until your health care provider tells you it is safe.<ul> <li class="level-2">Separate yourself from others and avoid close contact with anyone.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-2">Sleep in a bedroom away from other family members.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Air out your room often to the outside of the building (if it is not too cold outside).<ul> <li class="level-2">TB germs spread in small, closed spaces where air does not move.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-2">Put a fan in your window to blow air to the outside. If you open other windows in the room, the fan also will pull in fresh air. This will reduce the chances that TB germs will stay in the room and infect someone who breathes the air.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Your health care provider will tell you when you can return to work or school or visit with friends.</p> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/tb/topic/treatment/tbdisease.htm">Treatment for TB Disease</a></div><h3 id="heading-ltprnbdyin">Health care settings should have infection control plans to minimize the risk for exposure to and spread of TB.</h3> <p>Health care settings, especially those where people have a higher risk for exposure to TB, should have a <a href="/tb-healthcare-settings/hcp/infection-control/index.html">TB infection control plan</a>. These plans should describe policies and procedures for TB prevention, including:</p> <ol class="nested-list nested-list--letters "> <li class="level-1">Administrative measures, such as <a href="/tb-healthcare-settings/hcp/facility-risk-assessment/index.html">facility risk assessments</a>, <a href="/tb-healthcare-settings/hcp/screening-testing/index.html">health care personnel screening</a>, and education.<ol> </ol> </li> <li class="level-1">Environmental controls<ol> </ol> </li> <li class="level-1">Respiratory protective equipment<ol> </ol> </li> </ol> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/tb-healthcare-settings/index.html">TB Prevention in Healthcare Settings</a></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_prevention_import"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_prevention_import-why-prevention-is-important" name="Why%20prevention%20is%20important" title="Why prevention is important"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-xigribfzdy">Why prevention is important</h2> <h3 id="heading-_sysjiw5f6">Treating inactive TB prevents active TB disease.</h3> <p>If left untreated, 1 in 10 people with inactive TB will get sick with active TB disease. Active TB disease can spread to others and can be deadly.</p> <p>The risk of developing active TB disease is much higher for people with weakened immune systems or people with <a href="/tb/risk-factors/diabetes.html">diabetes</a>, cancer, or<a href="/tb/risk-factors/hiv.html"> HIV</a>.</p> <p>More than 80% of people who get sick with active TB disease in the United States each year get sick from untreated inactive TB.</p> <h3 id="heading-l_kx_wxb_o">Taking TB medicine as prescribed prevents drug-resistant TB disease.</h3> <p>Sometimes the TB germs are resistant to the medicines used to treat TB disease. This means that the medicine can no longer kill the TB germs.<a href="/tb/about/drug-resistant.html" class=""> </a></p> <p><a href="/tb/about/drug-resistant.html" class="">Drug-resistant TB disease</a> means that the TB germs are resistant to at least one of the most effective TB medicines. Drug-resistant TB disease is difficult and costly to treat. </p> <p>Some people develop drug-resistant TB disease because they are exposed to drug-resistant TB germs. Drug-resistant TB can also occur when the medicines used to treat TB are misused or mismanaged. </p> <p>Drug-resistant TB disease is more common in people who:</p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Have spent time with someone known to have drug-resistant TB disease.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Come from areas of the world where drug-resistant TB disease is common.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Develop TB disease again, after being treated for TB disease in the past.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Do not take all of their TB medicines.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Do not take their TB medicines regularly.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>The most important way to prevent drug-resistant TB disease is to take all TB medicine exactly as prescribed. </p> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="/tb/about/drug-resistant.html">About Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Disease</a></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_prevention_when_traveling"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_prevention_when_traveling-traveling" name="Traveling" title="Traveling"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-72xfzxwyjq">Traveling</h2> <p> TB occurs throughout the world but is much more common in some countries. Most TB disease occurs in countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. </p> <p>A traveler's chances of exposure to TB germs on a plane are very low. </p> <h3 id="heading-g_tyeftpd7">Travelers planning to work in health care settings</h3> <p>If you are traveling to work in a clinic, hospital, or other health care setting where patients with TB disease are likely to be, consult infection control or occupational health experts. </p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">Ask about <a href="/tb-healthcare-settings/hcp/infection-control/index.html">administrative and environmental procedures</a> to prevent exposure to TB germs.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Consider using <a href="/tb-healthcare-settings/hcp/infection-control/index.html">personal respiratory protective devices</a>.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Travelers who anticipate possible prolonged exposure to people with TB disease should have a <a href="/tb/testing/blood-test.html">TB blood test</a> or a <a href="/tb/testing/skin-test.html">TB skin test</a> before leaving the United States. </p> <ul class="nested-list"> <li class="level-1">If the test reaction is negative, repeat the test 8 to 10 weeks after returning to the United States.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">Annual testing may be recommended for people who anticipate repeated or prolonged exposure or an extended stay over a period of years.<ul> </ul> </li> <li class="level-1">If you have <a href="/tb/risk-factors/index.html" class="">HIV</a>, talk to your health care provider. People with HIV are more likely to have an impaired response to TB tests.<ul> </ul> </li> </ul> <div class="dfe-block dfe-block--keep_reading"><b>Keep Reading:</b> <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel">Travelers' Health</a></div> </div> <div class="dfe-section" data-section="cdc_prevention_res"> <a class="onThisPageAnchor" id="cdc_prevention_res-resources" name="Resources" title="Resources"></a><h2 class="editor-block--title" id="heading-slw-20d4mh">Resources</h2> <div class="dfe-links-layout--list dfe-links-columns--1"><div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="621_76056"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/tb/communication-resources/tb-questions-and-answers-booklet.html">Questions and Answers About Tuberculosis Booklet</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Questions and Answers About TB has information on inactive TB and TB disease.</div> <div class="featured download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/tb/media/Question_Answers_About_TB_English.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="Question_Answers_About_TB_English.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/tb/media/Question_Answers_About_TB_English.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="Question_Answers_About_TB_English.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="621_76067"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/tb/communication-resources/tuberculosis-fact-sheet.html">What You Need to Know About Tuberculosis Fact Sheet</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Use this fact sheet to learn basic information about tuberculosis (TB).</div> <div class="featured download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/tb/media/pdfs/What_You_Need_to_Know_About_TB.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="What_You_Need_to_Know_About_TB.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"><div class="download-container"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/tb/media/pdfs/What_You_Need_to_Know_About_TB.pdf" aria-label="Download" download="What_You_Need_to_Know_About_TB.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="cdc-fa-arrow-down-to-line"> </span><span class="down_label">Download</span><span aria-label=" pdf icon" role="img" class="sr-only"></span><span class="cdc-link-icon cdc-link-icon--pdf" aria-hidden="true"></span></a></div></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link dfe-curated-link--list" data-post="1928_1321"><div class="dfe-curated-link__content list"><div class="dfe-curated-link__title"><a class="cdc-block-link" href="/think-test-treat-tb/index.html">Think. Test. Treat TB</a></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__desc">Think. Test. Treat TB aims to increase awareness and understanding about inactive tuberculosis.</div> <div class="featured download"></div></div> <div class="dfe-curated-link__download"></div></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="cdc-dfe-body__right page-right-rail"> <aside class="page-right-rail__static noindex" role="complementary"> <div class="on-this-page " data-sid=""> <h2 class="on-this-page__heading"> On This Page </h2> <div class="card-body"> <ul> <li><a href="#cdc_prevention_exposure-exposure">Exposure</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_prevention_risk-risk-factors">Risk factors</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_prevention_sign-what-to-look-out-for">What to look out for</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_prevention_pre-prevention-steps-and-strategies">Prevention steps and strategies</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_prevention_import-why-prevention-is-important">Why prevention is important</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_prevention_when_traveling-traveling">Traveling</a></li> <li><a href="#cdc_prevention_res-resources">Resources</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </aside> <aside class="page-right-rail__dynamic noindex" role="complementary"> <div data-related-nav></div> </aside> </div> </div> <div data-journey-next></div> <section class="container page-mobile-bar"> <time class="page-mobile-bar__item page-mobile-bar__item--date" datetime="2024-03-06 19:00:00"> March 6, 2024 </time> </section> <div class="page-content-sources noindex"> <div class="page-content-sources__header"> <a data-action="summary" class="collapsed" href="#content-sources" role="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="content-sources" data-cs-toggle="">Sources</a> <a data-action="print" href="#print" class="d-none d-md-block" aria-label="print this page" onclick="window.print()">Print</a> <a data-action="share" href="#share" data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-label="share this page" aria-expanded="false">Share</a> <div class="dropdown-menu page-share-bar" data-popper-placement="bottom-start"> <a href="#" class="page-share-facebook"><span class="cdc-icon-facebook"></span></a> <a href="#" class="page-share-linkedin"><span class="cdc-icon-linkedin"></span></a> <a href="#" class="page-share-twitter"><span class="cdc-icon-twitter"></span></a> <a href="#" class="page-share-syndication"><span class="cdc-icon-rss"></span></a> </div> </div> <div class="page-share-container"> <div class="page-share-popup" id="page-share-popup" role="dialog"> <a target="_blank" title="Share to Facebook" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-facebook metrics-share-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov"> <span class="sr-only">Facebook</span> <span class="cdc-icon-facebook-inverse"></span> </a> <a target="_blank" title="Share to LinkedIn" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-linkedin metrics-share-linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov&title=Living%20with%20High%20Blood%20Pressure"> <span class="sr-only">LinkedIn</span> <span class="cdc-icon-linkedin-inverse"></span> </a> <a target="_blank" title="Share to Twitter" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-twitter metrics-share-twitter" href="https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov&text=Living%20with%20High%20Blood%20Pressure"> <span class="sr-only">Twitter</span> <span class="cdc-icon-twitter-inverse"></span> </a> <a target="_blank" title="Embed this Page" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="page-share-syndication metrics-share-syndicate" href="https://tools.cdc.gov/medialibrary/index.aspx#/sharecontent/https://https://www.cdc.gov/tb/prevention/index.html"> <span class="sr-only">Syndicate</span> <span class="fi cdc-icon-syndication-round"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div id="content-sources" class="page-content-sources__body accordion-collapse collapse"> <div class="callout callout-content-source" role="status"> <div class="callout-heading">Content Source:</div> <a class="cdc-block-link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/divisions/tuberculosis-elimination.html">Division of Tuberculosis Elimination </a>; <a class="cdc-block-link" href="/nchhstp/index.html">National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention</a>; <a class="cdc-block-link" href="https://www.cdc.gov">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> </div> </div> </div> <section class="container related-pages related-pages__mobile"> <div data-related-nav-mobile></div> </section> </div> </main> <section class="site-footer container noindex"> <div class="row cdc-footer__inner"> <div class="col-lg-3 site-footer__heading has-home-link "> <h2> <a href="/tb/index.html" class="cdc-footer__super-title" aria-label="Tuberculosis (TB)"> <i class="cdc-icon cdc-fa-solid cdc-fa-house"></i> <span>Tuberculosis (TB)</span> <i class="cdc-icon cdc-fa-light cdc-fa-angle-right"></i> </a> </h2> <p class="cdc-footer__site-desc">Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria called <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em>. 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