Pulmonary TB poses threat to public, doctor says

By ZINA KOIM
SOMEONE with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) has the potential to spread the disease to 10 to 15 people, according to the Burnet Institute senior clinical mentor Dr Fredrick Charles.
Charles, therefore, said it was important for people suffering from the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis to visit clinics quickly for treatment.
He told The National that in doing so, this could reduce the spread of TB and prevent others from getting sick.
“In the TB programme/health facility level, identifying patients with lung TB and starting them on treatment quickly breaks the transmission chain, stopping the patient from spreading the TB disease,” Charles said.
“Patients with lung PTB and not on treatment are highly likely to spread to others, through coughing, sneezing and even talking.”
Charles said that meant the responsibility fell on everyone including the workforce to help patients suffering from TB to seek healthcare quickly.
“Once they are on treatment, we all need to support them so they can finish their six to eight months of treatment,” he said.
Charles’ advice to the general public was to get screened for TB and follow the doctor’s advice.
“If someone in your family or workplace has TB, all family members or colleagues need to be screened for TB,” he said.
“If you know you have PTB, have some sense of responsibility and follow the doctor’s advice.
“Avoid going to high risk public places, at least for the first two to 12 weeks, and ensure you complete treatments.”