Could It Be Because There’s No Money-Making Vaccine Available —Yet?

Tuberculosis (TB) has reemerged as the leading infectious disease killer globally, surpassing COVID-19 in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2023, TB claimed approximately 1.25 million lives and saw 8.2 million new cases, the highest levels recorded since 1995.

Media Is Silent on Recent Outbreaks

Recent outbreaks in Kansas City have resulted in 67 active cases, 79 latent infections, and 2 reported deaths. Additionally, 42 out of 52 jurisdictions in the U.S. have reported an increase in cases.

How TB Is Classified & Symptoms

• Pulmonary TB: Most common type, with symptoms including cough, chest pain, night sweats, fever, fatigue, and coughing up blood.
• Extrapulmonary TB: Occurs outside the lungs, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and other areas.
• Latent TB: No symptoms but still contagious.

Transmission

TB spreads through infected droplets from coughing, sneezing, or speaking. At-risk populations include travelers to high-risk areas, homeless individuals, and residents of nursing homes and prisons.

Diagnosis & Testing

TB can be detected using a blood test, skin test, or chest X-ray to reveal pulmonary nodules.

Treatment

Historically, TB was managed with fresh air, sunlight, and nutrition, including cod liver oil for its high vitamin D content. Today, treatment involves months of antibiotic therapy, often with severe side effects.

Prevention: The Role of Vitamin D

The WHO promotes a vaccine with only a 50% prevention rate, yet studies confirm that adequate vitamin D levels can:

• Enhance immune response against TB
• Improve clinical outcomes
• Reduce inflammation

Our ancestors understood the power of vitamin D—modern science is just catching up.

Written By Brooke Lounsbury