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Tuberculosis (TB)

Florida Department of Health in Martin County

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs. The germs are put into the air when a person with TB of the lung coughs, sneezes, laughs or sings. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys or the spine.

What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?

General symptoms may include feeling weak or sick, weight loss, fever and/or night sweats. Symptoms of TB of the lungs may include cough, chest pain and/or coughing up blood. Other symptoms depend on the particular part of the body that is affected.

How is Tuberculosis Transmitted?

Tuberculosis is spread from person to person through the air. Through the 'shared air principle' TB germs are put into the air when someone with pulmonary TB disease (TB in their lungs) coughs or sneezes. A person who breathes in the bacteria can become infected.

Related Links:     

Centers for Disease Control - TB
Florida Department of Health - TB

For TB Testing, please call 772-221-4000.