They usually have a positive skin test and may develop active TB disease later in life. TB bacteria become active if the body's immune system cannot stop them from growing. A physical examination, chest x-ray and sputum cultures are done to check for active disease. Symptoms include cough, night sweats, tiredness, chills, loss of appetite, weight loss and chest pain. Active TB can be treated and cured.
Treatment usually means taking four or more different antibiotics for at least six months.
A person may not be infectious as soon as two weeks but some people may be infectious for much longer. TB drugs are provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and are free. Active disease must be reported to the public health department and will be thoroughly investigated to notify and follow up contacts. Public health nurses can also give MDR-TB patients support, education and general follow up. Vaccination BCG is a vaccine against TB that is commonly used in countries with high TB rates.