The “white plague” or tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Historically, TB was one of the deadliest infectious diseases and was responsible for the deaths of millions of people around the world. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, TB was known as the “white plague” due to the pallor of the skin of those who were infected.

Although TB was largely eradicated from developed countries in the mid-20th century, recent years have seen a resurgence in TB cases. In this article, we will examine the resurgence of the “white plague” and explore what can be done to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

What is TB?

TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. The bacterium that causes TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

When someone inhales the bacteria, they can become infected. Symptoms of TB include coughing, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, TB can be deadly.

The History of TB

Historically, TB was one of the deadliest infectious diseases. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, TB was responsible for the deaths of millions of people around the world.

The “white plague” nickname came from the pallor of the skin of those who were infected. In the early 20th century, TB was the leading cause of death in the United States. However, with the introduction of antibiotics in the mid-20th century, TB rates declined sharply in developed countries.

The Resurgence of TB

Despite the decline in TB rates in developed countries, TB has continued to be a major health problem in many parts of the world.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of TB cases in developed countries, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the homeless, those with compromised immune systems, and those living in poverty. This resurgence has been fueled by a number of factors, including the emergence of drug-resistant strains of TB.

The Global Impact of TB

TB remains a major global health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.

Preventing the Spread of TB

The spread of TB can be prevented through a number of measures. One of the most effective methods for preventing TB is through vaccination.

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used for over 100 years and is estimated to have prevented millions of cases of TB worldwide. However, the BCG vaccine is less effective in adults, and there is currently no effective vaccine for TB in adults.

Another method for preventing the spread of TB is through early detection and treatment. TB can be diagnosed through a number of tests, including chest X-rays, sputum tests, and blood tests.

Once diagnosed, TB can be treated with a combination of antibiotics. Treatment typically lasts for six to nine months and is highly effective if taken as directed.

Other measures that can help prevent the spread of TB include improving living conditions to reduce overcrowding and improving access to healthcare. In addition, efforts to reduce poverty and malnutrition can help to prevent the spread of TB.

Conclusion

The “white plague” or TB was once one of the deadliest infectious diseases, responsible for the deaths of millions of people around the world.

While TB rates declined in developed countries in the mid-20th century, recent years have seen a resurgence of TB, fueled by factors such as the emergence of drug-resistant strains of TB. TB remains a major global health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

However, the spread of TB can be prevented through measures such as early detection and treatment, vaccination, and improving living conditions and access to healthcare.