Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by TB germs. TB usually affects the lungs but it can spread to any part of the body such as the lymph nodes or bones.
TB has been around for centuries and remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, even though it is preventable, treatable and curable.
Toronto Public Health’s TB Program works with health professionals and the community to lower the number of people who become sick with TB disease in Toronto and to provide them and their families support.
TB is spread from person to person through the air when someone with active disease in the lungs coughs or sneezes. It is not highly contagious. It usually takes close, prolonged or regular contact to spread this disease.
There are two types of TB: TB infection or TB disease. Someone with TB infection has TB germs in the body but is not sick, has no symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. If TB infection is not treated, it can develop into TB disease, which does make a person sick and can be spread.”
Most people who breathe in TB germs are able to stop them from growing. Their immune system traps the TB germs and keeps them inactive. This is called TB infection.
People with TB infection:
TB germs become active when the body’s immune system cannot stop the germs from growing. The active TB germs begin to grow and cause damage to the body. This is called TB disease. TB disease of the lungs and throat can be spread to other people.
People who have TB infection do not have symptoms and are not sick. People with TB disease can feel sick and have the following symptoms:
If the TB disease is in another part of the body it is called extra-pulmonary disease. The symptoms will depend on where the TB is growing, for example swollen lymph node or joint pain. Extra-pulmonary TB is not infectious to others.
It is good to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms that are not getting better on its own because TB signs and symptoms can often mimic other sicknesses.
Anyone can get TB but some people who are at higher risk of getting it include:
Learn what tests are used to identify TB infection and TB disease, and what the TB screening recommendations are for different workplace settings.
Learn more about the different treatments and medications available for tuberculosis.
Learn more about the TB program and services available for anyone affected by tuberculosis.
Toronto Public Health TB Programs and Services
Other TB services in Toronto
Learn more about TB in Canada, including how it’s monitored, and the work of national partners committed to ending TB
March 24 is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. This annual event commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the TB bacterium, paving the way for the diagnosis and cure of this disease. It is an important day to raise awareness about the health, social, and economic impacts of TB.
Learn more about World TB Day.
This information is also available in the following languages. To request a copy, email us at targettb@toronto.ca or call 416-338-7600 and ask for the TB program.