Nigeria Health & Lifstyle

KEY FACTS ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by infection with the bacteria, mycobacterium. About nine million people develop TB disease annually, according to a recent W.H.O. Report.

TB usually affects the lungs and other parts of the body. It is spread mostly through coughing or sneezing. A very likely place to contact the disease is a crowded environment with inadequate ventilation. If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB you need to carry out a TB test.

People who have latent TB infection but do not have the TB disease do not show symptoms but can spread the disease to other people. Such people have a positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test.



General Symptoms of Tuberculosis:
• A cough that lasts for more than three weeks
• Excessive loss of weight
• Fever and heavy night sweats
• General tiredness and being unwell
• Lack of appetite
• Coughing out blood

The good news is that TB can be prevented via the BCG vaccination which is usually given to babies. It can also be treated with special antibiotics.

However, if not properly treated, it could lead to death and can be easily transmitted to family members, co-workers and close friends. Those with low immunity due to infections from the HIV virus can easily contact the disease.