Football is Life

When most people in the United States hear “TBC” or tuberculosis, it feels like a disease from the history books. It’s something we associate with black-and-white photos, sanatoriums, and old medical dramas — not something you’d expect to affect your family today. But for me, tuberculosis became personal when my grandpa was diagnosed with it.

A Rare Diagnosis in the U.S.

In the U.S., tuberculosis is now considered uncommon. Modern antibiotics, improved living conditions, and strong public health systems have pushed the number of cases to historically low levels. According to the CDC, fewer than 10,000 cases are reported each year across the entire country. For most Americans, the idea of knowing someone with active TB seems almost unthinkable.

So when my grandpa was diagnosed, it felt surreal. Friends would say, “Wait, people still get TB here?” The truth is: yes, they do — but at far lower rates than much of the world.

A Common Struggle in Indonesia

Travel across the globe, though, and the story changes. In Indonesia, TB is one of the most pressing public health issues. The country consistently ranks among the top three nations with the highest number of cases worldwide. Millions are affected, and access to diagnosis and treatment isn’t always consistent. For many families there, TB isn’t a distant memory — it’s a present reality.

This contrast between the U.S. and Indonesia highlights how diseases aren’t just medical problems — they’re also shaped by social, economic, and geographic factors. Where you live often determines your likelihood of exposure, your chances of diagnosis, and even your survival.

Lessons From The Last of Us

In the opening scene of The Last of Us, a fictional viral disease expert warns about fungal pathogens that could one day jump to humans, reminding us how vulnerable we remain to infectious diseases. While the show focuses on a dystopian pandemic, the core message rings true: microbes have been humanity’s constant companions, and sometimes adversaries.

Tuberculosis is proof. It’s not new, it’s not science fiction, and it hasn’t been “eradicated” despite decades of medical progress. It still spreads silently, especially in countries where healthcare systems are stretched thin.

Bringing It Back Home

For me, TB is no longer just a statistic or a global health headline. It’s my grandpa’s story. Watching him go through treatment reminded me how fragile health can be — and how easy it is to assume that a disease no longer exists just because it’s rare in our part of the world.

TB may be uncommon in the United States, but globally it remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases. Remembering that helps us stay humble, aware, and committed to supporting efforts that fight it everywhere, not just at home.