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
Risk areas for Tuberculosis

FAQs
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Key fact
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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* This list is not exhaustive and other travel health providers are available.
References
- World Health Organization. Global Tuberculosis Report. 2024. Available online: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240101531 (Last accessed May 2025)
- 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