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Tuberculosis (TB), although much less common than in the past, still occurs in Western countries such as Australia, and is still a very serious condition.
This infection, caused by the germ Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can affect any part of the body, but usually affects the lungs.
The disease is typically spread by breathing air containing tiny droplets, usually from coughs and sneezes, from an infected person.
Most at risk of having TB are those born in countries where the disease is common. These include India, China, Indonesia and South Africa.
Although Western countries no longer vaccinate all children against TB, vaccination may be a wise step for certain people likely to spend more than a short time in countries where the disease is common.
