Disease and Immunization Facts

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Tuberculosis

What Is It?
Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria causes infection of the lungs and occasionally other organs. TB bacteria is transmitted through the air. Coughing and even simply speaking to an infected person can spread the bacteria. Certain types of TB can also be spread through unpasteurized milk.

Where Is It?
The annual risk of TB infection may be as much as 300-fold higher in some tropical and developing countries than in western Europe and North America.

Prevention Tips

• A TB skin test called Tubersol™ is usually given before departure for travelers likely to be exposed to many cases of TB, such as health care workers, or long-term stay travelers of greater than six months.

• If the test is negative prior to travel abroad and positive upon return from the developing world, then it's an indication that a course of anti-TB drugs should be given.

• Avoid consumption of unpasteurized milk as it may contain TB bacteria

Available Immunizations
The efficacy of BCG immunization has varied widely in studies - from zero to 80 percent protection, and as a result is not often recommended to Canadians traveling abroad. Periodic skin testing with Tubersol® is generally preferred, with the ability to provide anti-TB drugs in the event of a positive result.