TB now the leading cause of death among South Africans

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) is a communicable disease and has been a health concern globally and in South Africa for many years. Today is World TB Day.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that in 2015 there was 10.4 million new cases of TB, with it causing the death of 1.4 million people every year.

Globally, one in every three people are infected with this curable disease.

The history of TB is South Africa is well-recognised. South Africa is classified by the WHO as a “high burden country” due to the high TB prevalence and TB being the leading cause of death among South Africans.

About 88% of South Africans are infected with latent TB infection (LTBI), where the infection stays dormant. Yet, in about 10% of people with LTBI, this can result in active TB.

HIV patients have a 90% increased risk for active TB.

TB is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread through the air, for example when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs.

The likelihood of transmission is induced by the number of droplets, the size of the room and ventilation, along with the time that an individual is exposed to the infection.

People who are living in overcrowded circumstances, who are malnourished and those with immune-compromised diseases, such as HIV, have a greater risk of contracting TB.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common form of TB and affects the lungs.

Symptoms include a persistent cough and fever for two weeks or more, night sweats, hemoptysis (coughing of blood) and involuntary weight loss of at least 1.5kg per month.

There are also some symptoms that are less frequently noted: chest pain, breathlessness and wheezing may present, although this is less often noted.

Yet, extrapulmonary TB may also occur where the infection affects other parts of the body.

TB treatment usually takes six months to complete.

However, there are some serious adverse effects associated with anti-tuberculosis drugs such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, skin rash and pins and needles sensation.

These adverse effects can make it difficult for patients to adhere to treatment and that is why it is so important to support TB patients during their treatment course. Unfortunately, many TB patients feel “ashamed” of their status as some people still stigmatise sufferers.

Some patients do not want to visit healthcare facilities as they are too worried of what people might think.

Also, many believe that if you have TB, you are also HIV positive.

As a result, they don’t receive the necessary treatment and have an increased chance of spreading TB.

Therefore, is it important for us to talk about this disease to reduce the stigma surrounding it. So often, stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge.

Get tested for TB today. Remember, TB isn’t picky about its next victim.