TuberculosisTuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Usually the bacteria attack the lungs, but tuberculosis bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. It can spread through the lymph nodes and bloodstream to any organ. It is usually seen in the lungs. If not treated accordingly, it can be fatal. One of the leading causes of death in the United States was tuberculosis. Everyone who is infected with the tuberculosis bacterium does not get sick. There are two conditions of tuberculosis. They are latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease. In latent tuberculosis infection, people don't get sick but the tuberculosis bacteria can live in you. People with latent tuberculosis infection cannot spread the bacteria to others nor are they contagious. If the bacterium is active and multiplying, the person has tuberculosis. If a person has tuberculosis, their immune system cannot prevent the bacteria from becoming active. People with tuberculosis become ill and are able to spread the bacteria to others. Symptoms Symptoms of tuberculosis include severe cough that lasts 3 weeks or more, chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum, weakness or tiredness, weight loss, lack of desire. for food, chills, fever, and night sweats. Mode of transmissionThe bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread through the air. The bacteria can spread into the air when someone with tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. If someone is exposed to a tuberculosis patient they have a greater chance of contracting the infection. Complications Tuberculosis must be treated otherwise it can be fatal. It can affect the lungs and all other parts... half of the document... additional data collection. National Tuberculosis Controllers Association (NTCA) Promoting the elimination of tuberculosis is the association's mission in the United States through the coordinated collective action of local, state, and regional government officials. NTCA Goals • Establish and contribute to a shared voice for tuberculosis controllers to move forward and promote tuberculosis control and elimination efforts in the United States. • Tuberculosis agencies, organizations, and committees concerns and actions that impact tuberculosis control at the local and state levels. • Partner with organizations to improve tuberculosis control and elimination at local, state and territory levels. • Helps agencies and organizations promote tuberculosis control and elimination at local, state and territory levels. • Promote positions and legislation to guide tuberculosis control at local, state and territory levels.