List of tuberculosis cases

List of Tuberculosis Cases details notable individuals who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. Tuberculosis (TB) has been known by various names throughout history, such as "consumption" due to the way it would consume from within anyone who became infected. This list includes people from various fields such as arts, politics, and science, illustrating the widespread impact of the disease, especially before the advent of effective treatment in the 20th century.

Notable Cases[edit | edit source]

Robert Louis Stevenson - The famous Scottish author of Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was believed to have suffered from tuberculosis. Stevenson's health was poor throughout his life, which led him to spend much of his time in climates thought to be more beneficial for those suffering from TB.

Vivien Leigh - The British actress, best known for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939), suffered from tuberculosis and died from the disease in 1967.

Frederic Chopin - The Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era, who composed primarily for the solo piano, died in 1849, with tuberculosis being one of the contributing factors to his death.

George Orwell - The English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic, best known for his novels Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, died from tuberculosis in 1950.

Doc Holliday - An American gambler, gunfighter, and dentist, and a good friend of the famous lawman Wyatt Earp. Holliday's life was heavily affected by his battle with tuberculosis, which played a significant role in his involvement in the events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Eleanor Roosevelt - The former First Lady of the United States was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1919, after the disease claimed the life of her brother. Her battle with TB influenced her lifelong commitment to public health causes.

Impact of Tuberculosis[edit | edit source]

Tuberculosis has had a significant impact on society, not only because of the mortality rate associated with the disease but also because of its influence on the arts and public health policies. The disease has been a common theme in literature, music, and art, often symbolizing the fragility of human life.

Prevention and Treatment[edit | edit source]

With the development of the BCG vaccine and effective drug treatments in the 20th century, the incidence of tuberculosis has significantly decreased in many parts of the world. However, TB remains a major public health issue, especially in developing countries and among populations with high rates of HIV/AIDS.