Number of tuberculosis cases on the rise

The number of tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise in Suriname. The National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) pointed out that in 2017 there were 137 reported cases of TB while there were 116 in 2016. “The number of TB cases has fluctuated in the past 5 years which indicates that infections are still taking place. We also see a fairly high percentage (19%) of TB patients who have died.” The fact that many TB patients die is the result of various things. Some people seek medical treatment when it is already too late. In other cases the people have other underlying diseases such as HIV or diabetes which makes it very difficult for them to recover. “The NTP will therefore keep giving information about TB so that the community can be aware of this disease. There is also aimed at working with people who have HIV so that when they get infected with TB, it can be treated on time. Both diseases could negatively influence each other’s course and the mortality rate of TB among people with HIV is very high,” said the NTP which advises people with HIV to seek medical treatment whenever they have symptoms of TB. Each patient who has been diagnosed with TB must also take an HIV test. According to medlineplus.gov, tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks. If you have been exposed, you should go to your doctor for tests. You are more likely to get TB if you have a weak immune system. Symptoms of TB in the lungs may include: A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer, weight loss, loss of appetite, coughing up blood or mucus, weakness or fatigue, fever and night sweats. Skin tests, blood tests, xrays, and other tests can tell if you have TB. If not treated properly, TB can be deadly. You can usually cure active TB by taking several medicines for a long period of time.