Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem worldwide and because of damp, insanitary, overcrowded conditions in South Africa’s informal settlements, they’re the perfect breeding ground for TB. This coupled with the vulnerability of SA’s rising number of HIV-infected people, means our country is burdened with one of the worst TB epidemics in the world. You cannot afford to be ignorant about one of South Africa’s deadliest diseases.

Your TB fact sheet:

What is TB?
It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that can affect almost any part of the body, but most commonly, it attacks the lungs.

Who can get TB?
Because TB is breathed in, it can infect anyone, both rich and poor, in any part of the world.

Is TB infectious?
TB is caused by the inhalation of bacteria into the lungs. When people infected with TB cough, sneeze, talk or spit, they send germs into the atmosphere. If left untreated, each person with TB can infect about 10-15 people a year.

How does TB develop?
You can become infected with TB without developing an active disease. If your immune system is strong it will control the bacteria, but the bacteria can lie low for years waiting for your immune system to weaken.

What are the symptoms of TB?
In the early stages there may be no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, an infected person will tire easily, lose weight, cough chronically and have night sweats and shortness of breath. A severe infection can cause you to cough up blood and your lymph glands to swell.

What is the biggest risk factor?
People with weak immune systems such as those infected with HIV are the most susceptible.

Can TB be treated?
Treatment is effective and you should see a doctor as soon if you suspect you may have been infected. Because of the way in which the bacteria attacks the body, treatment takes a minimum of six months to completely cure the disease. Besides the possible side effect of nausea, patients will very quickly start to feel healthier and some are tempted to stop the treatment. It is very important to stick to the course of treatment recommended by your doctor and it is important to monitor someone infected with TB to make sure that they take their medication correctly. TB can be treated at many local authority or municipal clinics, which have specially trained staff.

How do I know when TB is cured?
The sputum or phlegm of a TB-infected person will be tested at various intervals during the course of treatment to determine whether the patient is cured.

What about immunisation against TB?
There is a BCG vaccine that can be given at birth and although it is not very effective in preventing the disease, it can help to prevent some of the very complicated types of TB.

What is MDR TB?
TB that is no longer treatable with standard TB drugs, is called multi-drug resistant, or MDR TB. It usually develops in patients who have been inadequately treated for TB. These drug-resistant strains are a huge problem in South Africa, as they are resistant to treatment, and may even be incurable.


If you suspect that you may have TB or know someone who does, it is very important to get proper medical treatment at your local clinic, doctor or local hospital. Any employer, friend or family member can act as a treatment supervisor to support and monitor a patient during their treatment. Take care of yourself properly and help stop the spread of TB.