To the editor:

TB is dangerous because usually the lungs will cause coughing with or without blood or sputum, chest pain or pain “breathing or coughing.” The kidneys, spine and brain are susceptible too. Medicines are relatively inexpensive, but production and distribution need massive increases. Now there are strains that resist medicines.

This disease is found in 135 countries, and increasing in the USA. HIV patients are very susceptible to TB due to lack of resistance.

Urge our elected federal officials to support the Global Fund and domestic efforts to limit such a wicked disease. World TB Day is March 24.

JOHN FREEBURG

Bremerton