What is a major health concern regarding tuberculosis?

A major health concern regarding tuberculosis (TB) is that it is often asymptomatic, meaning that individuals infected with the bacteria may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. This lack of symptoms can lead to a situation where a person is unknowingly contagious, spreading the disease to others without realizing it. Since TB is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the ability for the infection to circulate invisibly poses a significant challenge to public health efforts aimed at controlling the disease.

The asymptomatic nature of TB complicates diagnosis and treatment, as individuals may not seek medical attention until the disease has progressed and symptoms become evident. Therefore, awareness and screening are critical components of TB control programs. Understanding how TB can spread undetected highlights the importance of community health initiatives and education to identify and treat cases early, reducing transmission risk.