Actually, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a pretty hardy little bastard, able to survive for quite a long time in harsh environments. When I worked as a microbiologist years ago, most people couldn't believe the precautions we took protecting ourselves from it.
AIDS is NOT as scary as TB.
Mexicans are hardy little bastards too. They’re able to survive in harsh environments, like crossing a desert. Heck, just even surving Mexico is harsh.