LEARN It! Challenge 26 of 29
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Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that typically attacks the lungs and can be fatal.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Tuberculosis is most commonly found in developing countries, particularly in Africa. In 2015, there were an estimated 1.4 million new cases of tuberculosis and 430,000 deaths from the disease in Africa.

The symptoms of tuberculosis include a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue and fever.

Tuberculosis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases.

There is no vaccine for tuberculosis, but the disease can be prevented by early detection and treatment. Tuberculosis can be treated with a combination of drugs. The most important thing is to complete the full course of treatment to prevent the disease from becoming resistant to the drugs.

Tuberculosis is a serious disease, but it can be cured. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with tuberculosis can recover and live healthy lives.


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