Tuberculosis Is Not Just a Disease of the Past 

Many people think tuberculosis disappeared decades ago. For one survivor, the reality was very different. 

For many people, tuberculosis (TB) feels like a disease from history books. But for Rod, it’s part of his life story. 

Rod was just three years old when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and spent 18 months living in a sanatorium while receiving treatment. Today, he is a retired professor from the University of Manitoba who remains active, and he shares his story so others understand how serious the disease once was. 

“People think we’ve gone past tuberculosis—but people are still getting the disease.” — Rod, TB survivor 

Decades ago, TB was a major public health crisis. Many people spent months or even years in sanatoriums receiving treatment, and some never returned home. Those experiences left a lasting impression on Rod and many others who lived through that time. 

Today, medical advances mean tuberculosis can usually be treated successfully—but the disease has not disappeared. Each year, about 100 Manitobans are diagnosed with TB, a bacterial infection that most often affects the lungs and spreads through the air when someone with active TB coughs or speaks. 

Rod hopes sharing his story helps remind people that awareness still matters. 

It’s worth asking: would you recognize the signs of tuberculosis in yourself or someone you care about? A persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue can all be symptoms. Recognizing the signs and seeking testing early helps protect your health—and your community.