Tuberculosis - BCG .
DHS information: www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/tb_community.htm
Overseas CDC information: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/Index.htm
WHO year book: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2005/9241580364_chap6.pdf  (p29 of 45) copy

For health workers and those people intending to live in high risk countries for 6 months or more, especially children under the age of 5 years(NHMRC), BCG is advisable.The infection is usually transmitted by air, and usually prolonged exposure to a person with untreated tuberculosis is required for transmission to occur. The HDV Tuberculosis Program (61 3) 9637 4115.  can supply names and addresses of accredited BCG vaccinators.

BCG vaccination does not prevent tuberculosis infection but reduces the risk of death from tuberculous meningitis and disseminated disease.

The incidence in S.E. Asia is 300 times that in Australia. As there is increasing drug resistance to Tuberculosis throughout the world, many authorities now believe  BCG vaccination should be more widely used. Although protection from clinical disease is only 50% overall, it seems to be more protective against disseminated TB and Tuberculosis meningitis. The Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne, recommends BCG for any child going to a region of high prevalence for more than 6 weeks. (ref JAMA Paediatrics 95,96)

As an alternative the traveller could have a tuberculin skin test (10 units should produce less than 5 mm reaction) before departure and 1 month after return to document if conversion of the test has taken place (CDC 96/97). BCG also confers some protection against Leprosy.

see New York Health Department sheet

copy of DHS info sheet pdf (Jan 2006)

Information mostly taken from: "International Travel and Health" (WHO year book - internet only)
Australian Immunisation Handbook, 8th Edition - 9/2003 - Part1 - Part 2 & Part 3 (large pdf files)
Centre for Disease Control, USA -  www.cdc.gov/travel Travel Health Seminar Oct 96, June 97,Feb 98, March 99, May 2000, August 2002 & March 2005 - Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation.
Manual of Travel Medicine, Melbourne, Oct 2004. Updated 18/09/2005.  Additional references & disclaimer.