Loss Prevention Hot Topics

Learning About Infectious Disease: Tuberculosis

Recently, the Texas Department of State Health Services ordered skin testing for tuberculosis at a north Texas school. The testing was ordered after a teacher contracted the bacterial infection. Although tuberculosis still has a dangerous reputation, the disease can easily be contained and controlled by modern medicine. School administrators should arm themselves with practical knowledge so fear does not define response plans to the disease.

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a lung infection caused by bacteria. You cannot be infected through common interactions, such as sharing food or drinks, kissing, or using the same toilet seat. Only people with an active-stage infection can spread it through the air when they cough or sneeze. Those most at risk of infection:

  • infants
  • the elderly
  • individuals with compromised immune systems
  • people living in unsanitary conditions who suffer from poor nutrition

Many people infected with TB do not know it because their infection is in the latent stage. At this stage, the infected person does not feel sick, there are no symptoms, and it cannot be spread to others. Their immune systems often defeat the infection without the person knowing it. Even if someone tests positive for the infection, there is only a 10 percent chance of it ever developing into an active case of TB. It is in this stage that TB multiplies and becomes dangerous, causing the victim to feel symptoms which include:

  • chest pain
  • coughing up mucus and blood
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • chills and fever

It is important to seek medical help if you believe you have been in contact with someone infected with TB or if you exhibit symptoms. An active untreated TB infection can be fatal. 

For more information, visit the following Web sites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Basic TB Facts
Trends in Tuberculosis, 2009
You Can Prevent TB

If you have any questions about this Loss Prevention Hot Topic, contact your Loss Prevention consultant.