The American Lung Association of California works to prevent tuberculosis (TB) by keeping health practitioners updated on the latest advancements in the prevention and treatment of the disease and encouraging state health officials to invest in TB programs. California has the highest number of TB cases in the nation and must commit enough resources to prevent a resurgence of this potentially deadly disease.
Most people can recover from TB by taking antibiotics. However, over the years new strains of TB bacteria have formed that are resistant to one or more TB medications. These bacteria have developed the ability to survive the TB drugs, posing a serious threat to public health in California and worldwide.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually attacks the lungs. It is caused by bacteria and spreads from person to person through the air. The bacteria hang in the air on tiny droplets of moisture when someone with active TB coughs or talks.
Not everyone who is infected with TB has the disease or can pass it on. People who are infected with TB have the bacteria inside their bodies, but their natural defenses are protecting them from the disease. This is referred to as latent TB. Someone who is sick with the disease has active TB and can spread it to others.
It is not easy to become infected with TB. It usually takes more than a casual encounter. Those who live with someone who has active TB are at greatest risk.
