Tuberculosis

In the Northern Territory (NT), around 20 to 40 cases of tuberculosis (TB) are reported each year. However, in other countries, TB is a widespread disease.

It is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium mycobacterium tuberculosis.

It mostly affects the lungs, but it can affect other parts of the body.

There are 2 forms of TB:

• active TB
• latent TB.

How it is spread

When someone has TB in their lungs, they can release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air by:

• coughing
• sneezing
• talking
• singing.

These infected droplets can be inhaled by another person, which can cause them to develop latent or active TB.

Someone with lung TB can keep spreading it to other people until the person starts antibiotic treatment and enough bacteria is destroyed in their body.

You can't get TB from:

• touching objects that have been handled by someone with active TB
• someone with latent TB.

Latent TB

You might not know if you have latent TB, it means the bacteria is inside your body but you have not yet developed an illness.

Latent TB means you:

• were exposed to TB in the past
• have no TB symptoms
• can't spread TB to anyone else.

You can still be at risk of developing active TB in the future. Risk factors can include a weakening immune system caused by:

• ageing
• serious illnesses
• diabetes
• medication such as steroids
• drug or alcohol use
• HIV infection
• treatments for cancer such as chemotherapy.

Sometimes there are no risk factors for TB becoming active.

Active TB

If you have active TB it means you have developed TB after:

• having latent TB, or
• being in close contact with someone who has active TB.

Active TB means you might:

• have TB symptoms
• spread it to other people.

Symptoms

If you have active TB you may experience:

• a persistent cough for more than 2 weeks, sometimes with blood
• fevers
• weight loss
• night sweats
• tiredness and weakness
• loss of appetite
• swollen glands.

If you have latent TB, you will have no symptoms.

Treatment

TB is treated with antibiotics for a period of time.

If you have latent TB, you may not need treatment. This will depend on various factors related to your health risks and circumstances.

For treatment to be effective for both active and latent TB, you must follow your treatment plan. This means taking your antibiotics:

• correctly
• consistently
• until finished.

Active TB treatment can last for at least:

• 4 months for children
• 6 months for adults.

Appointments are made with the TB clinic for regular check-ups.

If you have active lung TB, the first part of your treatment may need to be in hospital. This reduces your risk of spreading it to other people. After you leave hospital, you must finish your treatment plan. Otherwise, you risk:

• prolonging your illness
• getting sicker
• spreading the illness.

Prevention

To prevent spreading TB to others, practise good hygiene by doing the following:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Use a tissue and throw it in the bin immediately.
• Wash your hands with water and soap, especially after coughing and sneezing.
• Wear a mask if you have any type of respiratory illness.

If you have latent TB, you may be offered medication to prevent getting active TB.

If you have active lung TB, you may be asked to isolate until you are no longer infectious.

Immunisation

The BCG vaccine can offer protection and is available for people who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out more, get the fact sheet from the NT Health digital library.

Find out more by contacting the Darwin or Alice Springs TB clinic.

Information for health professionals

To find out more go to the NT Health website.

Contact

For more information about TB or to get tested, contact the TB clinic.

You can also call your nearest Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.