Tuberculosis is considered to be an infectious disease that affects the lungs. Globally, tuberculosis is the second biggest killer that is caused by one infectious agent.
During the 18th & 19th centuries, North America and Europe were hit by the tuberculosis epidemic. In the year 1882, Robert Koch, a German microbiologist, was able to figure out the microbial causes behind this deadly disease.
Following the discovery, effective drug treatment and vaccinations were developed to defeat the disease. The United Nations also predicted that tuberculosis (TB) would be eliminated entirely all across the globe by the year 2025.
During the 18th & 19th centuries, North America and Europe were hit by the tuberculosis epidemic. In the year 1882, Robert Koch, a German microbiologist, was able to figure out the microbial causes behind this deadly disease.
Following the discovery, effective drug treatment and vaccinations were developed to defeat the disease. The United Nations also predicted that tuberculosis (TB) would be eliminated entirely all across the globe by the year 2025.
However, during the 1980s, the number of cases suffering from TB began to rise to a level where the World Health Organization (WHO), in the year 1993, announced that TB is a global threat. Because of this reason, the United States does a thorough screening test for tuberculosis to keep the disease out of the country. If you are applying for a visa to the US, you must look for immigration medical doctors Austell to have yourself checked.
What is Tuberculosis?
Doctors say that tuberculosis infection comes in two forms –
Latent TB – In this stage, the bacteria remain in the body, but in an active state. The disease isn’t contagious, and there are no symptoms. But they can become active in the future.
Active TB – In this stage, the bacteria become active and could transmit from one person to the other.
About one-third of people living in the world is predicted to have latent TB. Latent TB comes active in only 10 percent of the cases. However, the risk will be higher in individuals who may have compromised immune systems, like people with malnutrition or HIV.
TB can affect all age groups living in any corner of the world. However, young adults and people from developing countries have a higher chance of acquiring this condition.
Early Signs
As per the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the early signs of TB include –
- Chest pain
- Severe cough, lasting for three weeks or more
- Night sweats, fever, and chills
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Feeling weak or sick
TB could also affect other areas of the body, and the symptoms will be different based on the location.
Symptoms
When the person is at the latent stage, there will be no symptoms. However, active TB will be seen in the form of fever, cough, and several other symptoms.
TB affects the lungs usually but can also cause damage to other parts of the body. If treatment is not given on time, the illness can spread to the bloodstream.
When TB affects other parts of the body, it will result in the following –
- Brain – Meningitis
- Bones – Joint destruction and spinal pain
- Heart – Cardiac tamponade
- Kidneys and Liver – Blood in the urine, impair filtration functions.
If you want to find out if you will be allowed to enter the United States, you should book an appointment at a medical office for screening.
Conclusion
If proper treatment is given, tuberculosis can be treated effectively. Because of this reason, the number of cases has significantly gone down. However, if appropriate treatment isn’t available, then the condition can be fatal.
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