Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease that can cause serious illness and even death by damaging the lungs or other parts of the body. Every year, between 20 and 45 cases of TB are reported in the Northern Territory (NT), with two fatalities recorded in 2023. Although TB can affect individuals of all ages, it can usually be cured with proper treatment.
The symptoms of TB include:
- Coughing with sputum for more than two weeks
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Lethargy and tiredness
- Chest pain
- Localised chest signs in upper/mid zones
- Pleural effusion
- Enlarged matted lymph nodes
- Localising signs and symptoms such as headache or painful swollen joints.
TB spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak in close proximity to others. Those who breathe in TB germs have usually had close contact with someone who has the disease. However, TB is not spread through contact with objects the patient has touched, such as dishes, drinking glasses, sheets, or clothing.
For additional information, you can contact the RAHC Clinical Team, read the latest health alert, browse the fact sheet, visit the NT Health Page or contact your TB clinic below.
- Alice Springs 8951 7548
- Darwin 8922 8804
- Katherine 8973 9049
- Nhulunbuy 8987 0282
- Tennant Creek 8962 4259 or
https://health.nt.gov.au/professionals/centrefor-disease-control/cdc-contacts