Early identification of TB patients can check spread of disease: DHO

In-charge DHO Dr Ramarao said that as many as 44 tuberculosis patients are infected in the district with TB. An integrated approach towards the treatment is necessary to ensure complete cure, he said.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held during the workshop on RNTCP-TOG (revised national TB control programme, technical and operational guidelines) organised by District Health Office, the in-charge DHO said that tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria that spreads from person to person through the air. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal. People infected with TB bacteria, who are not sick, may still need treatment to prevent TB from developing in the future. The bacteria that causes TB is spread through the air from person to person. TB bacteria will be in the air when a person with TB coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected.

He said that TB bacteria grows in the lungs and can cause symptoms such as a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, coughing up blood or sputum (mucus from deep inside the lungs), weakness or fatigue, weight loss, no appetite, chills and fever, sweating at night among others, he said.

Ramarao said that the district is in the forefront in the identification of the disease. He said that private health care centres should identify cases and inform the government set up.

Speaking after inaugurating the workshop, District information Officer Rohini K said that drug suppliers also play an important role in eradicating the disease. The drugs prescribed should be offered properly, she said.

Assistant Drugs Controller Nagraj K V said that treatment of latent TB infection is essential in controlling and eliminating TB and added that the treatment is available in all treatment centres. He said that medical shops should also indulge in identifying TB patients. He said that the district should be a role model in curtailing the disease in the state. He noted that to make India free from TB by 2025, the public should join hands with the medical fraternity to ensure early detection so as to curb the spread of the disease.

Dr Chidananda Sanju said that there is no need to hide the disease when it is spreading extensively. He said the public should come forward to inform doctors if either they or their family members are infected by the disease.