Tuberculosis and child's health

[carmenpop]

My mother just returned from a trip to Constantsa, Romania where she visited a relative who has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and has been on treatment for about 2 years. She spent a few days living in the same apartment with him. Upon returning to the US yesterday, it has become evident to me that I should be concerned about my child's health. She is almost 7 years-old in good health, however, her immune system is not fully developed. She has not continued vaccinations since she was 4 years-old. She was never given the BCG vaccination as they did in eastern Europe. All my family members have been vaccinated with BCG. Knowing that tuberculosis from eastern-European/Russian sources have been growing and travelling all over the world and are now resistant strains, I am seriously concerned about my daughter's health when she comes in contact with my mother.

My question is: Is it safe to have my child near and in the same room as my mother. If she shows no symptoms, cold she still be a carrier even if she was vaccinated? As a precaution, should I keep them away from each other?

[National Jewish]

The symptoms of contagious tuberculosis include cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.  If your mother has none of these it is highly unlikely she is a risk to your daughter.

[crabbycdn]

Your child cannot be infected with TB unless she is in close contact with somebody who is ACTIVELY infected.  If your mother is exhibiting symptoms of TB, she should be checked.  If it is either verified that she has ACTIVE TB or that her x-rays and symptoms are highly suspicious, then your local reporting authority will do a contact search and EVERYBODY she may have infected will be tested.  Your mother cannot infect your child unless she herself has active TB. If your mother was vaccinated, it would be highly unlikely she would become infected.  Also, this is not a "carrier unknown" kind of disease, it is transferred infected person to person, by close contact.  Your mother cannot be a "carrier" unless she herself is infected.  

Rest Easy.
B.