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Tuberculosis in children: what parents need to know
TB is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs, but it is preventable and curable.
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What it is
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs [2]. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit [2]. TB is preventable and curable [2].
About a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria [2]. In general, people with TB infection don’t feel sick and are not contagious [1][2]. Only about 5–10% of people infected with TB will eventually get symptoms and develop TB disease [2]. Babies and children are at higher risk of developing the disease if they are infected [1][2].
TB disease happens when bacteria multiply in the body and affect different organs [1]. While TB usually affects the lungs, it can also affect the kidneys, brain, spine and skin [1]. Symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected [1]. Common symptoms of TB are a prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever and night sweats [1]. Symptoms may be mild for many months, so it is easy to spread TB to others without knowing it [1]. Some people with TB disease have no symptoms but can still spread TB [1].
Certain conditions can increase a person’s risk for TB disease: diabetes (high blood sugar), a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV), undernutrition, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol [2]. TB disease is usually treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without treatment [2]. In certain countries, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is given to babies or small children to prevent TB [2]. The vaccine prevents deaths from TB and protects children from serious forms of TB [2].
What you can do at home
- Seek medical attention if you have symptoms like a prolonged cough, fever and unexplained weight loss — early treatment can help stop the spread of disease and improve your chances of recovery [3].
- Get screened for TB if you are at increased risk, such as if you have HIV or are in contact with people who have TB in your household or workplace [3].
- TB preventive treatment (TPT) prevents infection from becoming disease. If it is prescribed, complete the full course [3].
- If you have TB, practise good hygiene when coughing: avoid contact with other people, wear a mask, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of sputum and used tissues properly [3].
- Special measures, like respirators and well-ventilated spaces, are important to reduce infection in healthcare facilities and other institutions [3].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
- See your doctor if you or your child have a prolonged cough, fever or unexplained weight loss [3].
- Ask about screening if you or your child are at increased risk, for example if you have HIV or live or work with someone who has TB [3].
- Get medical help without delay if you or your child have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a cough with blood [1].
- If you are in contact with someone who has TB and you are pregnant, or if your child is very young and unwell, seek medical advice promptly [3].
Common questions
How is TB diagnosed? According to WHO, rapid diagnostic tests are recommended as the initial tests in all people with signs and symptoms of TB [4]. These tests are accurate and can give initial results to guide treatment decisions within 48 hours of sample collection [4]. A tuberculin skin test (TST), an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) or a newer antigen-based skin test (TBST) can be used to identify people with TB infection [4]. These results help identify which people at high risk of TB will benefit most from TB preventive treatment [4].
Can TB be cured? Yes. TB is preventable and curable, and TB disease is usually treated with antibiotics [2]. Diagnosing drug-resistant forms of TB, including multidrug-resistant TB, as well as HIV-associated TB and paediatric TB, can be complex, so WHO recommends specific sample types, tests and strategies to detect these forms early and accurately [4].
How common is TB? In 2024, an estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB worldwide, including 1.2 million children [5]. TB is present in all countries and age groups [5]. Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 83 million lives since the year 2000 [5].
Sources
[1] WHO — “Tuberculosis”, section “Symptoms”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis [2] WHO — “Tuberculosis”, section “Overview”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis [3] WHO — “Tuberculosis”, section “Prevention”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis [4] WHO — “Tuberculosis”, section “Diagnosis”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis [5] WHO — “Tuberculosis”, section “Key facts”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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