Infection and transmission
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It is predominantly transmitted from person to person via the respiratory tract by minute droplets. The tuberculosis incubation period can be weeks to months. The infection usually affects the lungs. However, tuberculosis can also affect other organs such as the intestines or bones.
A relevant risk of infection exists in close, direct contact over many hours. However, only a small proportion of infections lead to disease. Infection can be detected with a blood test or, in young children, with a skin test. All affected contacts are identified, screened, and counseled by the health department.
If tuberculosis patients receive consistent medication, then almost all sufferers can be cured. In uncomplicated cases, the therapy lasts six months, in individual cases even longer. In most cases, treatment is initiated in the hospital.
Tuberculosis symptoms
Often, the symptoms are still mild at the beginning of the disease and slowly increase over a period of weeks to months. If you experience these symptoms, you should visit your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms:
- Persistent cough (lasting three to four weeks or more).
- Sputum
- Loss of appetite
- Unwanted weight loss
- General fatigue
- Easy fatigability
- Heavy night sweats
Be sure to tell your doctor about any previous contacts of tuberculosis.
Obligation to report to the health department
The public health service has an important role to play in the control of tuberculosis in Germany. Tuberculosis is a notifiable disease. The public health department must be informed of the diagnosis of tuberculosis by the attending physician or the laboratory. According to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) (opens in a new tab), the health office has the task of ensuring necessary measures are taken and thus preventing the spread of the disease.
The tuberculosis care of the public health department is partner of the patient and the treating physicians. The staff also screen for tuberculosis, support affected people and their relatives, and advise citizens and professionals on all issues related to the disease.
Social service for tuberculosis patients