Children have a higher risk than adults of contracting and developing tuberculosis. The risk of becoming seriously ill is also greater in children. This is because their immune system is not yet as well developed as that of an adult. Children should therefore avoid contact with people with tuberculosis who are still infectious in order to protect them. If the child has had contact with the person with tuberculosis, it must be examined.
Infants are particularly at risk: around half of infants who become infected with tuberculosis fall ill within two years. The typical symptoms such as cough, fever and night sweats are often less pronounced in children. Instead, unusual courses of the disease can occur, in which the lungs, brain or other organs can also be affected.
To prevent a child from becoming infected after contact with tuberculosis, children under the age of 5 should receive chemoprophylaxis. If infection is proven (LTBI), preventive treatment (chemoprevention) should always be recommended.