Tuberculosis (TB)

TB is a bacterial infection primarily affecting, but not limited to, the lungs.

Over 1/3 of the world’s population has TB
Respiratory symptoms include feeling unwell, nightsweats, cough and blood stained phlegm
Spread by droplet, ie sneezing in confined spaces such as public transport and in unpasturised dairy products
A Mantoux test can determine if a traveller has been exposed to the bacteria
A newer “Quantiferon” blood test will help detect active disease
A BCG vaccine is available
TB can usually be cured by a long course of antibiotics

Detailed information on preparing for your trip is available in The Traveller’s Pocket Medical Guide and International Certificate of Vaccination and during a travel consultation with a Travel Clinics Australia doctor.
Call 1300 369 359	to make an appointment at a clinic (click here to find one near you) OR
Call 1900 969 359*	for our travel health information hotline.
*Calls charged at 99 cents per minute incl. GST - higher rates from mobiles & public phones. Telads