Is Military Pulmonary Tuberculosis Contagious?
Yes, military pulmonary tuberculosis (MPT) is contagious. It is a rare and aggressive form of tuberculosis (TB) that primarily affects young children. However, MPT can occur in people of all ages.
How is MPT spread?
Like other forms of TB, MPT is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The bacteria that cause TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is released into the air in tiny droplets. When these droplets are inhaled by another person, they can become infected.
What are the symptoms of MPT?
MPT is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Rapid onset of symptoms
- High fever
- Severe cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
How is MPT diagnosed?
MPT is diagnosed through a combination of:
- Chest x-ray: This can show signs of the disease in the lungs.
- Sputum culture: This test looks for the TB bacteria in a person's sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs).
- Tuberculin skin test: This test checks for exposure to TB.
- Blood test: This test can detect TB infection.
How is MPT treated?
MPT is treated with a combination of antibiotics for at least six months. Treatment is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and to prevent the development of serious complications.
How to prevent MPT?
The best way to prevent MPT is to prevent the spread of TB. Here are some tips:
- Get vaccinated: The BCG vaccine can help protect against TB.
- Avoid close contact with people who have TB: This is especially important for people who are at high risk of infection, such as young children, people with weakened immune systems, and people who live in close quarters.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze: This will help to prevent the spread of TB bacteria.
- Wash your hands frequently: This will help to prevent the spread of germs, including TB bacteria.
If you think you may have been exposed to TB, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of MPT, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent the spread of the disease and to improve your chances of a full recovery.
