Tuberculosis In The Workplace

Employee enters your office, shakes your hand, coughs, and then sits in your chair to tell you that he needs time off because the doctor has informed him that he has "active tuberculosis" and will need some time away from work while undergoing treatment. What happens next?

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But, TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain, and if not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States.

TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may become infected by breathing in these bacteria.