During the first half of the 20th Century, TB was often known as 'consumption' or the 'white plague'. The disease plagued the world for so long because people had a poor understanding of it and lacked the tools to fight it. Today, however, thanks to medical science TB can be overcome in developed countries thanks to a cure. The disease today One third of the world s population is infected with tuberculosis bacteria. The vast majority of TB cases are in the developing world.
Tuberculosis is spread from person to person through the air.
When people with TB in their lungs or throat cough, laugh, sneeze, sing, or even talk, the germs that cause TB may be spread. If another person breathes in these germs there is a chance that they will become infected. Someone with TB disease is sick and can spread the disease to other people. A person with TB disease needs to see a doctor as soon as possible. Although it is air-bourne, it is not easy to become infected with tuberculosis.