World Tuberculosis Day March 24: How Tuberculosis Spreads, Who Are at High Risk

March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day, inviting people to understand tuberculosis, a contagious disease more severe than often thought. Check early symptoms, identify high-risk contact groups, and learn prevention methods for good hygiene.

Tuberculosis remains a major infectious disease causing deaths worldwide, including in Thailand where new cases continue to emerge. On World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, understanding how the bacteria spread, recognizing warning signs, and screening at-risk groups is crucial and should not be overlooked.

What is tuberculosis? It affects more than just the lungs.

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread through the air. It not only infects the lungs but can also spread to vital organs such as the brain, bones and joints, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Young children under one year old, people with chronic illnesses, or those with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of severe extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Check tuberculosis symptoms: warning signs not to ignore.

Symptoms vary depending on the infected organ, but common signs include:

• Chronic cough lasting over two weeks, sometimes with blood.
• Prolonged fever lasting more than seven days, often with night sweats.
• General weakness: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and lack of energy.
• In young children: severe symptoms such as rapid breathing, bluish skin, lethargy, or seizures.

Who are "close contacts" of tuberculosis patients and what should they do?

Close contactsof tuberculosisare those who have a chance of being exposed to the bacteria from patients and may become infected. They include:

• People living in the same household as a patient, especially those sharing the same bedroom.
• Individuals with close contact such as coworkers or those frequently engaged in shared activities over a long period.

Generally, contact is defined as an average of 8 hours per day or more than 120 hours in one month. This counts all days spent with the patient within three months before symptoms began or diagnosis, until at least two weeks after effective treatment started.

Close contacts, especially household members, should be screened to assess tuberculosis infection risk. They may have latent tuberculosis infection, meaning the bacteria are present but without active disease symptoms yet, or they may already have active tuberculosis.

Screening includes medical history, physical examination, chest X-rays, and other necessary tests. Preventive medication may be given to those with latent infection, especially young children under five who are at high risk of severe tuberculosis. All children under five exposed to tuberculosis who are evaluated as not having active disease will receive treatment for latent tuberculosis.

How to prevent and protect yourself from tuberculosis.

We can reduce risk by adopting healthy behaviors as follows:

• Boost immunity: exercise regularly, get adequate rest, and eat nutritious food.
• Avoid risky behaviors: stop smoking, avoid alcohol and drug use.
• Protect yourself: wear a mask in high-risk areas and avoid close contact with infectious patients.
• Health check-ups: get a chest X-ray at least once a year.

Those who live in close contact with tuberculosis patients for more than 120 hours in a month should undergo screening and testing for tuberculosis.

Source: Dr. Ploy Pattanakitsakul, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Medical Department, Ramathibodi Hospital.