Kern County, CA

People with LTBI are infected with the TB germs, but they do not feel sick, do not have symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others.  Without treatment people with LTBI can develop active TB disease at any time. 

People with active TB disease generally have symptoms and feel sick.  They may also be able to spread TB germs to other people.  Without treatment, active TB disease can be fatal.   

Symptoms include a cough lasting three weeks or longer, coughing up blood, chest pain, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fevers, and night sweats.

Anyone can get a TB infection, but some people are at higher risk.  These risks included: 

• Being born in or frequently traveling to a country where TB is common, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 
• Live or used to live in large group settings where TB is more common, such as homeless shelters, prisons, or jails. 
• Recently spent time with someone who has active TB disease 
• Have a weaker immune system 
• Work in places where TB is more likely to be spread such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes.