Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a significant global health concern.
The disease spreads when bacteria from an infected individual enter the tissues of another person. However, not everyone exposed to the bacteria develops TB; the disease typically manifests when the immune system is weakened. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in ten people infected with TB bacteria will develop the disease.
Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the development of TB, including:
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Malnutrition
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Overexertion
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Living in poorly ventilated areas
Symptoms of TB
Common symptoms include:
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Persistent low-grade fever
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Cough lasting more than three to four weeks
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Night sweats and fever
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Unexplained weight loss
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Coughing up small amounts of blood
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Chest pain
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Fatigue
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Shortness of breath
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Loss of appetite
Treatment and Prevention
Health authorities emphasize that TB is completely curable, with diagnostic and treatment facilities available at district hospitals nationwide. To prevent the spread of TB, doctors recommend:
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Ensuring good ventilation and exposure to sunlight by keeping windows and doors open
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Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use
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Covering the mouth with a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing
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Avoiding spitting in public places
TB Awareness Campaign in Kandy
A TB awareness program was recently held in front of the old Bogambara Prison in Kandy, organized by the Central Province Health Department’s TB Prevention Center and Kandy National Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Dushyantha Medagedara from Kandy National Hospital highlighted the global impact of TB, stating:
“Approximately two million people succumb to tuberculosis each year. Every minute, somewhere in the world, someone contracts this disease. Annually, millions of new cases are reported, with around eight to ten million new infections. TB can affect all organs of the body.”
He stressed that early detection and awareness are crucial in reducing mortality, preventing the spread, and ensuring complete recovery.
By increasing public awareness and promoting early diagnosis, health authorities aim to eliminate TB as a major public health threat.
