World Tuberculosis Day
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24. Do you know that the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 states that 8.2 million were diagnosed with TB in 2023, out which 1.25 million people died?
World Tuberculosis Day was created to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB), its prevention, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The day serves as a reminder of the global efforts required to end TB and the ongoing challenges faced in combating this disease, especially in low and middle-income countries.
World Tuberculosis Day was started by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 24, 1982. This was 100 years after a German doctor called Robert Koch discovered the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
What is Tuberculosis, Its Causes
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which primarily infect the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People with weak immune systems, like those with HIV, are more likely to develop active TB from the infection.
If left untreated, TB can damage the organs it infects and even become life-threatening.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
- Cough (accompanied by blood sometimes)
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Pain in the chest
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Appetite loss
- Chills
When to Get Tested for Tuberculosis
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should promptly get checked for Tuberculosis. Other than that, make sure to get tested if any of the following cases arise:
- You were in physical contact with someone who had TB or might experience similar symptoms.
- You work or live in environments with a high risk of exposure, such as jails, hospices, skilled nursing facilities, shelters, and other healthcare settings.
- If you have injected recreational drugs. This is because Recreational drugs don't directly cause tuberculosis, but they can weaken the immune system and increase behaviors or conditions that heighten the risk of contracting or worsening the disease.
While tuberculosis can affect anyone, some people are more susceptible to it including:
- Babies and young kids
- People who have HIV/AIDS
- People who have received an organ transplant
- People with Diabetes
- Cancer patients and
People in general who have a weak immune system.
Important Facts about Tuberculosis You Should Know
- Tuberculosis (TB) is the main cause of death for people with HIV. These two diseases are a dangerous pair because each one makes the other worse and progresses faster.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the countries with the highest rate of Tuberculosis include India, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- World Health Organization reports also state that Tuberculosis is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the world.
- Over 95% of deaths due to Tuberculosis occur in developing countries. This is due to several reasons such as weaker healthcare systems, poverty, and HIV prevalence.
You might like to read these articles next:
