General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO tuberculosis information without providing individualized treatment instructions.
What is tuberculosis?
WHO describes tuberculosis as an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs.
How does TB spread?
WHO states that TB spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit.
Why does WHO highlight children?
WHO notes that babies and children are at higher risk of developing TB disease if they become infected.
How large was the recent childhood burden?
WHO estimates that 10.7 million people developed TB in 2024, including about 1.2 million children.
Symptoms and exposure history require individual assessment. This page cannot determine whether a particular child has TB infection or disease.
References
- World Health Organization. Tuberculosis, 24 March 2026.