You've probably seen an ancestor's death certificate which cites cause of death as "consumption." Also called the white plague, phthisis, scrofula, Pott's disease, or just TB -- all are synonymous with tuberculosis, which has troubled mankind since ancient times. Those affected with tuberculosis suffer fatigue, fever, weight loss and coughing. Tuberculosis probably reached its peak in the 18th century in western Europe, aided by overcrowded living conditions, poor ventilation, primitive sanitation and malnutrition. We now know tuberculosis is an infection, primarily in the lungs, usually spread from person to person by breathing infected air during close contact.  From an article written by Richard I. Haddy, M.D., and Theresa B. Haddy, M.D., in Minnesota Medicine, December 2007, a publication of the Minnesota Medical Association: Minnesota became a haven for people seeking such treatment. Because the state claimed to have exceptionally pure, dry air...that would cure consumption, bronchitis, and diseases of the chest, it attracted a large number of immigrants from Europe and settlers from the eastern United States in the 1850s. Many of these new residents had tuberculosis. By the end of the century, tuberculosis in combination with other infections was believed to be responsible for almost one-third of Minnesota's annual deaths. The State Board of Health reported between 1887  and 1899 more than 20,000 Minnesotans had died of tuberculosis. At the beginning of the 20th century, fresh air and bed-rest were considered the best cure for tuberculosis. Minnesota pioneered early treatment. In 1909 the Minnesota Legislature authorized the construction of county "sanitoriams" which were to be medical facilities for the long-term treatment of tuberculosis. Between 1912 and 1918, fourteen sanitoriams were built in Minnesota . A distinction is sometimes made between "sanatorium" (a hospital) and "sanitarium" (more like a health resort or residential spa). However, both terms were also used in the U.S. throughout the 20th century to describe psychiatric hospitals or "insane asylums".   Although the number of deaths attributed to tuberculosis began to decline between 1910 and 1920, it remained a major health concern in Minnesota for several decades. Glen Lake Sanatorium, the last local hospital dedicated to serving those with tuberculosis, closed its doors in 1961. Various treatments, such as surgically collapsing the lung, were tried. The discovery of streptomycin in the 1940s significantly reduced the number of tuberculosis cases in the U.S. Drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis have caused a resurgence in the disease worldwide, particularly in third-world countries.