White plague was also refereed to as white death sometimes due to the high mortality rate in 19th century Europe and America.
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Tuberculosis (TB), commonly referred as the “White Plague”, is one of the oldest known infectious diseases that has been afflicting humans and animals for thousands of years. It is caused by several pathogenic mycobacterial species that belong to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with M. tuberculosis (sensu stricto) being the most common cause of TB in humans.
White plague, popularly known as Tuberculosis (TB), is resurging in some parts of United States as cases has been soaring since 2020. It is a contagious and airborne bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and other parts of the body. The reason why it is called as “white plague” is due to the excessive pale complexion of persons suffering from it. There was a time when white plague turned out to be the leading cause of death across America and Europe.
White plague was named for pale and frail complexion of its victims. It was also called as “consumption” as it appeared to consume the body from within. It was also refereed to as white death sometimes due to the high mortality rate in 19th century Europe and America.
According to a report featured in National Library of Medicine, “Tuberculosis (TB), commonly referred as the “White Plague”, is one of the oldest known infectious diseases that has been afflicting humans and animals for thousands of years. It is caused by several pathogenic mycobacterial species that belong to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with M. tuberculosis (sensu stricto) being the most common cause of TB in humans. TB bacteria are usually transmitted by the airborne route; therefore, the disease primarily affects the lungs.” 1
According to a report featured in Vox, Tuberculosis or TB was briefly replaced by covid-19. However, in 2023, Tuberculosis claimed its title yet again as the world’s leading cause of death. "The global is local and the local is global, so if we're not able to address the global burden of tuberculosis, we'll continue to see it everywhere," Priya Shete, associate professor of medicine and tuberculosis researcher at the University of California, San Francisco. 2
“We'll start to see tuberculosis arise in the least expected places,” added Priya Shete.
The symptoms of the active TB may differ depending on factors like where the bacteria grow in body. Some common symptoms of TB is fever, weight loss, night sweats, exhaustion, and loss of appetite. The disease can spread when an infected individual cough, speaks, or sneeze that may cause release of the droplets containing the bacteria. Not all people contracting Tuberculosis will become unwell instantly.
Some individuals may develop latent Tuberculosis where the bacteria will stay inactive. On the other hand, some people may develop active TB that can be contagious. Some people are more prone to develop Tuberculosis than others. These individuals are those who may be suffering from diabetes, HIV/AIDS, living in crowded conditions, or with weaker immune health.
When the disease affects lungs, the most common symptoms will develop slowly and deteriorate over time. It may include persistent cough, coughing up blood or mucus, or pain in the chest. If the disease develops outside the lungs, the signs may vary. For instance, Tuberculosis in lymph node can lead to strong red or purple swelling under skin. It can affect kidney and cause blood in the urine. If it develops in the brain, it can cause headache or confusion. If TB develops in the spine, it can lead to backache. And, when TB affects larynx, it can cause hoarseness. Individuals with weak immunity will always be at higher risk of developing severe illness.
According to a report featured in New York Post, “Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 10,260 tuberculosis cases were reported nationwide in 2025, including a staggering 967 in New York alone. But the real toll could be even higher. TB symptoms are often mistaken for more common illnesses like the flu or RSV, meaning cases can be missed or treatment delayed.” 3
The longer TB goes undetected or undiagnosed, the more the deadly disease can spread. The risk will remain higher in such scenarios that the bacteria causing TB will develop antibiotic resistance to its medicine thus making it a herculean task to cure the disease.
However, individuals can heave a sigh of relief as TB is quite preventable and with proper cure, several individuals have already been treated.
Active and latent Tuberculosis can be cured with antibiotics. However, the cure for TB remains quite long and complicated than for several other common infections. Patients will require medications for a minimum of 6 to 9 months to eliminate the harmful bacteria completely.
FAQs
Why is Tuberculosis called the White Plague?
Tuberculosis is called the White Plague because it historically caused sufferers to have an excessive pale and frail complexion. It was also known as 'consumption' because it appeared to consume the body from within, and sometimes referred to as 'white death' due to its high mortality rate in 19th century Europe and America.
How does Tuberculosis compare to Covid-19 in terms of deadliness?
Tuberculosis briefly lost its status to Covid-19 but in 2023, it again became the world’s leading cause of death. Unlike Covid-19, TB is a long-standing infectious disease transmitted via airborne bacterial droplets, and its global burden remains significant, often affecting vulnerable populations with weaker immunity.
What are the common symptoms of active Tuberculosis?
Common symptoms of active Tuberculosis include fever, weight loss, night sweats, exhaustion, and loss of appetite. When TB affects the lungs, symptoms develop slowly and include persistent cough, coughing blood or mucus, and chest pain. Symptoms may vary if TB affects other body parts such as lymph nodes, kidneys, brain, spine, or larynx.
Why are Tuberculosis cases increasing in the United States?
Tuberculosis cases are rising in the U.S. partly because TB symptoms can be mistaken for more common illnesses like the flu. This leads to missed or delayed diagnoses, allowing the bacteria to spread and potentially develop antibiotic resistance. Overcrowded living conditions and weakened immunity contribute to higher susceptibility.
Is Tuberculosis curable and what is the treatment duration?
Yes, both active and latent Tuberculosis can be cured with antibiotics. However, treatment is longer and more complex than many infections, requiring a minimum of 6 to 9 months of medication. The lengthy regimen increases the risk of side effects, necessitating careful medical supervision.
National Library of Medicine|Tracking down the White Plague: The skeletal evidence of tuberculous meningitis in the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Skeletal Collection
Vox|The world’s deadliest infectious disease is on the rise in the US
New York Post|‘White plague’ is on the rise in the US — it’s deadlier than COVID and becoming antibiotic-resistant
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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