We fear the unknown, like Ebola and now Zika virus. But tuberculosis, TB, is much more likely to get you.

TB is spread by coughing. Just being exposed on an airplane could give you TB.

Over 500 people in the United States die each year of TB. We are lucky. In the world well over a million people die every year of TB. Most TB cases in the U.S. originate with people who have traveled abroad. In a connected global world, TB anywhere threatens us here.

The best way to combat this disease is by increased U.S. funding of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund is an innovative and effective means of funding and monitoring programs in low- and middle-income countries. These programs support large-scale prevention, treatment and care programs for AIDS, TB and malaria.

Funding the Global Fund is an excellent example of our government doing good. Encourage Congress to continue support of the Global Fund. The tuberculosis infection you prevent could be your own.

Ronald B. Borovec

Bothell