Did You Know?

Tuberculosis is more prevalent in the homeless population.

What is tuberculosis?

TB stands for tuberculosis, which is a contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also impact other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB), like the kidneys, spine, or brain.

A simpler definition -TB is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

TB CAN BE LATENT OR ACTIVE

Latent TB is when a person is infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but the bacteria are inactive and not causing symptoms. The person does not feel sick and cannot spread TB to others. However, the infection can become active in the future if not treated.

Active TB is when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are actively multiplying in the body and causing symptoms. The person usually feels sick and can spread the disease to others, especially if the lungs are infected. Active TB requires immediate treatment.

Click the link to learn more from the CDC about Tuberculosis and the homeless population.

Click Here

GENERAL INFORMATION ON TUBERCULOSIS

Reason TB Is More Common Among the Homeless

Crowded living conditions
Poor ventilation
Weakened immune system
Barriers to healthcare
Interrupted treatment
Movement between shelters.
Substance abuse.

Testing

TB skin test (TST or Mantoux Test)

A small amount of testing fluid (called PPD) is injected just under the skin of the forearm.

After 48–72 hours, a healthcare provider checks for a reaction (a raised bump).

Positive test = exposure to TB bacteria, but doesn’t confirm active disease.

QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) /

T-SPOT.

A blood sample is drawn and tested in a lab. Results usually come back in a day or two.

Who Should Be
Tested

People showing symptoms (persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss)
Close contact with someone who has TB
Homeless individuals, healthcare workers, or people in crowded living conditions
People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS & Diabetes).

Prevention and Control

Stay away from people known to have active TB, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
Screening high-risk groups (e.g. healthcare workers, homeless populations, people with HIV)
Isolation of people with active TB until they’re no longer contagious
Educating staff and patients about TB transmission and treatment
Mobile health units for screening and treatment in underserved areas
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) to ensure full treatment is completed.
Contact tracing.

MARCH 24TH

WORLD TB DAY