Tuberculosis usually causes lung disease but almost any part of the body can be affected.
More than 2,000 cases of TB infection are reported every year. However, at the time the infection is discovered, most infected children have no symptoms or x-ray signs of the disease. Most infections are discovered by a skin test before the infection has become serious enough to cause any problems. If TB is detected before symptoms develop, your child can be treated with medications that will prevent the disease from continuing and spreading to others. Your child's doctor will determine how often a skin test is needed.