Tuberculosis (TB) Information

Tuberculosis (TB) occurs when you inhale the TB germ when a person with TB disease coughs, sings or speaks. The bacteria usually attacks the lungs, but can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain.  

For more information on TB tests and services, see our TB Program page.

Video en español: 5 cosas que debes saber sobre la tuberculosis

Latent TB Infection vs. TB Disease

Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, there are two types of TB: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease.

Latent TB Infection

Individuals with latent TB infection have the TB germ, but do not feel sick. At this stage, they are not able to pass it along to others. If not treated at this stage, LTBI can develop into TB disease. 

TB Disease

TB disease causes illness. Individuals with TB disease usually feel sick and haves symptoms that may include cough, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills, chest pain, and loss of appetite. They are able to spread TB to others, unlike LTBI. If not treated, TB disease is fatal.

Washtenaw County TB Statistics

Year # Active TB Cases # Pulmonary Cases # Multi-drug Resistant Cases % Foreign-born Washtenaw TB rate (all types) per 100,000
2021 4 3 0 100% 1.0
2020 6 6 0 (1 INH resistant) 50% 1.6
2019 6 5 0 83% 1.6
2018 9 5 1 78% 2.4
2017 8 5 0 63% 2.2
2016 10 7 0 60% 2.8
2015 6 5 0 67% 1.7
2014 7 2 0 86% 2.0
2013 4 3 0 100% 1.2
2012 5 4 0 80% 1.5
2011 8 5 0 50% 2.3
2010 9 8 0 78% 2.6
2009 6 5 0 50% 1.9
2008 10 7 0 50% 3.1
2007 6 5 1 83% 1.9
2006 7 5 0 57% 2.2
2005 10 3 0 60% 3.1