Can TB Spread?
Yes, tuberculosis (TB) can spread. It's spread through the air from one person to another.
TB germs are released into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or even laughs. This means that close and prolonged contact with an infected individual is necessary for transmission. It's crucial to understand that only those with active lung TB can spread the disease; individuals with latent TB infection are not contagious.
- Transmission: Breathing in these airborne TB germs can lead to infection.
- Active vs. Latent TB: Only active TB disease in the lungs is contagious. Latent TB infection does not spread to others.
- Close Contact: Prolonged close contact increases the risk of transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/tb/causes/index.html and numerous other reputable sources like the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tuberculosis-tb/ confirm this mode of transmission. Treatment for active TB is essential to prevent further spread.
