Test Your TB Knowledge

Did you know?

Tuberculosis (TB) disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States. Starting in the 1940s, scientists discovered the first of several medicines now used to treat TB. As a result, TB slowly began to decrease in the United States. But in the 1970s and early 1980s, the country let its guard down and TB control efforts were neglected. As a result, between 1985 and 1992, the number of TB cases increased. However, with increased funding and attention to the TB problem, we have had a steady decline in the number of persons with TB since 1992. But TB is still a problem; more than 13,000 cases were reported in 2007 in the United States.

Take this quiz to see how much you know about tuberculosis (TB). Read the following statements and decide if they are TRUE or FALSE. Click on your choice.

1.	TB is caused by germs called bacteria.
	True False
2.	TB is spread from one person to another through the air.
	True False
3.	Everyone should get tested for TB.
	True False
4.	Everyone who gets infected with TB bacteria will get sick.
	True False
5.	Some people can get TB disease easier than others.
	True False
6.	TB disease can be cured.
	True False
7.	TB can affect other parts of the body besides the lungs.
	True False
8.	TB infection and TB disease are the same.
	True False
9.	TB bacteria have a hard time living in fresh air and sunlight.
	True False
10.	If you have TB infection you may have to take medicine, even if you don’t feel sick.
	True False

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More TB information

Want more information about TB? Check out CDC’s TB website.

If you have a general question about TB, you may call CDC INFO at (1-800) 232-4636 or e-mail CDC-INFO at CDCINFO@cdc.gov.
For patients or the general public seeking information specific to TB medical care, or health care providers seeking medical consultation, we recommend that you call the TB program in your state.