Tuberculosis (TB) is spread through the air from one person to another. When someone with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, laughs, sings, or even speaks, they release tiny droplets containing TB bacteria into the air. If someone nearby breathes in these droplets, they can become infected.
It's important to note that not everyone who breathes in TB bacteria will get sick. Having a latent TB infection means the bacteria are in the body but are not active and cannot be spread to others.
Here are some key points to remember about TB transmission:
- Active TB disease is required: Only individuals with active TB disease of the lungs or throat can spread the infection. People with latent TB infection cannot transmit the disease.
- Airborne transmission: TB bacteria are spread through the air, primarily through respiratory droplets released during coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing.
- Close contact: The risk of infection is higher with close contact with someone who has active TB disease.
