Fighting TB

Residents of Ntshawini were paid a visit by a team from Stanger Hospital on March 24 to educate them on the symptoms of tuberculosis.

They were encouraged to visit their local clinics if they experience any of the disease symptoms.

Residents were told that one-third of humanity carries TB (tubercle bacillus). Stanger Hospital public relations officer Slindile Mzila said in most cases, TB will remain dormant and people will never develop the disease.

“TB is transmitted by air, through coughing and sneezing. One person with untreated active TB can pass the disease on to up to 15 other people in a year,” said Mzila.

She said without proper support and treatment, up to two-thirds of people who develop TB will die. Although TB can affect anyone, the disease is closely linked to poverty.

“Those living in crowded, unsanitary living conditions, who suffer from poor nutrition, or who use tobacco all suffer the risk of developing TB. People’s whose immune systems are compromised are at particular risk, which is why TB is the number one cause of death among people living with HIV. Migrants, miners, prisoners, children in contact with TB cases and people who use drugs are among the most vulnerable groups,” said Mzila.

Symptoms of TB include coughing for more than two weeks, sometimes there is blood in the sputum (saliva), chest pain and feeling out of breath, tiredness and loss of appetite.