This website has been developed and funded by Valneva UK Limited and is intended for a UK audience only.
Back

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis illustration

What is tuberculosis?

This horrible bug usually attacks the lungs, causing a cough that lasts a long time, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and chest pains.

Tuberculosis illustration

Risk areas for Tuberculosis

Map of risk areas for Tuberculosis
  • Key fact

    Globally, 1.25 million people died from TB in 2023.2 1 in 4 people in the world have been infected by bacteria that cause TB. About 5-10% of people infected with TB will develop symptoms and become ill.2

  • How do you get tuberculosis?

    By breathing in droplets from the coughs and sneezes of someone infected with the bacteria that cause the disease.2

  • Which countries are affected by tuberculosis?

    You can catch TB almost anywhere, but the majority of new cases are in South-East Asia, the Western Pacific, and Africa (see map).1,2

  • What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

    In those who do develop symptoms, these can be mild and last for many months. They may include a persistent cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pains, night sweats, fatigue and weakness.2

  • How serious is tuberculosis?

    TB can generally be treated with antibiotics. If it’s not treated, it may get worse and can be fatal.2 The risk of TB disease can be higher in people whose immune systems are compromised, such as people living with HIV or in people with malnutrition or diabetes.2

  • Can I prevent getting tuberculosis?

    You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

    • Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
    • Ensure that anyone who has been in contact with someone with TB is checked by their doctor, especially children.

Ready to get started? Check now for your nearest travel health clinic.

Get friendly advice from the UK's largest network of travel clinics*.

* This list is not exhaustive and other travel health providers are available.

Get started, for your free online assessment!


References
  1. World Health Organization. Global Tuberculosis Report. 2024. Available online: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240101531 (Last accessed May 2025)
  2. World Health Organization. Factsheet. Tuberculosis. March 2025. Available online: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis (Last accessed May 2025)

UK-BOTB-2500014 May 2025