World Tuberculosis Day

24^th March 2017

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which affects the lungs but can also attack other parts of the body, including kidneys, brain, and spinal cord. Tuberculosis is contracted through air droplets when people with Tuberculosis cough, spit, or sneeze. It can also be contracted through direct contact with the infected or breathing in infected air.

Tuberculosis Symptoms:

Coughing that lasts three or more weeks.

Coughing up blood

Chest pain when breathing or coughing

Appetite and weight loss

High fever

Sweating (especially during night)

Bloody urine if kidneys are infected

Back pain if spleen is infected

Who is most at Risk?

- People with HIV virus and AIDS;

- Diabetics;

- Some cancer patients who receive chemotherapy;

- Those who had organ transplants and given immunosuppressive drugs;

- Those who administer some drugs for rheumatic and Psoriasis diseases;

- Those residing or traveling to high Tuberculosis burden areas such as: South Africa, India, China, Mexico, and some East Asian countries;

 - Those in daily contact with infected person. It’s imperative to ensure wearing respirators and frequently washing hands when touching items belonging to the infected person.

Treatment:

Tuberculosis is a curable disease. Treatment of non-resistant cases uses 4 antibiotics for 6 months under doctor supervision. Medications must be taken on time as marked out by the doctor for effective results.

Prevention:

First: Early examination for those at high risk

Second: Tuberculosis vaccination

Third: Avoiding contact with Tuberculosis patients

Related Links:

WHO: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs104/en

www.doctoori.net/conditions/infections/tb.html

Databases:

JAMADar Almandumah

Maha Bogis, Public Relations and Beneficiaries Services – Female Students Division