2009-03-23: TB can be cured
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) today remains an epidemic according to the World Health Organisation. "I am stopping TB" is the slogan adopted by the World Health Organization and the Global STOP TB partners for World TB Day, on 24 March every year.
World TB Day is about celebrating the lives of people affected by TB: women, men and children who have taken TB treatment; nurses, doctors researchers, community workers, anyone who has contributed towards the global fight against TB. During 2008, 21599 persons were diagnosed with TB in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).
The focus for World TB Day this year is on curbing the spread of Tuberculosis.
TB is a disease caused by a germ (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that is released into the air when a person with TB disease talks, coughs or sneezes. Humans get infected when the air containing the TB germ is breathed into the lungs. TB germs can settle anywhere in the body, but we most often hear about TB of the lungs. It is easy to pass the TB germs to family members or others when many people live closely together. Anyone can get TB but not everyone who is infected with TB will become sick.
Persons with a persistent cough for two weeks or more should seek a TB test, which is performed free of charge in the City of Johannesburg's clinics. Other symptoms of TB include: drenching night sweats, spit that contains blood, loss of weight, general feeling of illness and tiredness, shortness of breathes and chest pain.
Persons who are coughing should help prevent the spread of TB by covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing. Tissues or toilet paper can be used for this purpose. Open all windows and doors to allow fresh air through the room. Persons suspecting that they are suffering from TB should inform frontline staff at clinics in order to be separated from the main stream and to be tested for TB. Once diagnosed with TB, it can be treated and cured.
Persons with suppressed immunity, such as persons living with HIV, are more likely to develop TB. TB can be prevented in persons living with HIV by taking preventative therapy for 6 months. Preventative therapy is also available free of charge at local clinics. In order to qualify for the preventative treatment, persons must know their HIV status.
The City of Johannesburg will be hosting a number of activities during the month of March 2009 to create awareness about TB. Click here [PDF format] for the programme.
For more information contact:
Nkosinathi Nkabinde
Communication Specialist
City of Johannesburg Health Department
Telephone: (011) 407 – 6477
