People who are at higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) include:
- People living with HIV: Individuals with HIV have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to TB infection and disease progression.
- Children younger than 5 years of age: Young children are more vulnerable to TB infection due to their developing immune systems.
- People recently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis): Individuals newly infected with TB bacteria have a higher risk of developing active TB disease.
- People with a weakened immune system: This includes individuals with conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer, as well as those taking medications that suppress the immune system.
- Foreign-born persons, including children, who have immigrated within the last 5 years from areas that have a high TB incidence: Individuals from countries with high TB prevalence are more likely to have been exposed to the bacteria.
- Residents and employees of high-risk congregate settings: This includes prisons, nursing homes, homeless shelters, drug treatment facilities, and healthcare facilities, where close contact and potential for spread of the disease are increased.
- People who have close contact with someone who has active TB disease: This includes family members, friends, coworkers, and healthcare workers.
It's important to note that anyone can get TB, but these groups are at a higher risk of developing active TB disease.
