Understanding tuberculosis: A guide for parents

You may have seen recent news about a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas. While this may sound alarming, it's important to note the risk to the general public remains very low. Health officials are actively managing the situation to prevent further spread. But still, it’s important to remain informed and do what you can to keep yourself and your family healthy. Keep reading for information on what tuberculosis is, symptoms, treatment and ways to stay healthy.

What is tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also involve other organs of the body.

What are the symptoms of TB?

TB can show up in 2 forms: inactive TB (latent TB infection) and active TB disease.

• Inactive TB: Individuals with inactive TB do not exhibit symptoms but may develop active TB in the future.
• Active TB: Symptoms in adults and teenagers include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue and weight loss. Younger children may have milder symptoms.

How does TB spread?

TB spreads through the air when a person with active lung disease coughs, shouts or sings. Children under 10 with a nonproductive cough and mild chest X-ray findings are usually not contagious.

How do you diagnose and treat TB?

TB is diagnosed through a combination of risk factor assessment, physical examination, tuberculin skin tests or blood tests and chest X-rays. Treatment of TB is dependent on the type:

• Inactive TB: Treated with 1 or 2 antibiotics for 3 to 9 months to prevent progression to active TB.
• Active TB: Treated with 4 to 5 antibiotics for 4 to 12 months, depending on the affected areas.

What are the risks of TB for children?

If you suspect your child has been exposed to TB, contact your child's doctor immediately. Children are at higher risk if they:

• Have a family member or close contact with TB disease.
• Have a family member with a positive TB test.
• Were born in a high-prevalence country (outside the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Western and North European countries).
• Have had extended travel to high-prevalence countries with frequent contact with the local population.

How can I prevent a TB infection?

There are things you can do to avoid TB in your family. These include:

• Ensuring their children avoid close contact with individuals known to have active TB.
• Ensuring their children are evaluated if they have been in high-risk environments.
• Staying informed about TB outbreaks and following public health guidelines.

Resources and talking to your children

For more information visit the CDC website and the Kansas Department of Health website. If your children still have questions, explain to them how the infection is spread to help them understand. Also share with them that you are doing what you can as a parent to keep them safe, and health officials are working hard to stop the spread of TB, while also sharing there is not a major concern for most people in the Kansas City area.