World TB Day
24 March 2009 marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. The World Health Organisation’s theme for this year’s World TB Day is “I AM STOPPING TB”. It is a continuation of a two-year campaign that recognises the important role of the individual in stopping TB in the community.
Update on the Tuberculosis Situation in Singapore
There were a total of 1,451 new cases of TB notified among Singapore residents in 2008, as compared to 1,256 cases in 2007. The TB incidence rate of 39.8 per 100,000 residents in 2008 is higher than the 35.1 per 100,000 in 2007. This is the first time the incidence rate has increased in 10 years. The increase in new cases in 2008 is likely due to increased reactivation of latent TB infection as well as increased transmission of TB in the community.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Complete Treatment of TB Cases
To successfully control TB, it is important to ensure that all cases with TB are diagnosed early and undergo complete treatment till cure so as to curb community transmission at the earliest opportunity.
Symptoms suggestive of TB
prolonged cough
fever
night sweats
unexplained loss of weight and appetite
tiredness
People with the above symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. TB can be cured and patients with TB disease must complete the full course of treatment (6 to 9 months) to ensure they are fully cured. Those who fail to adhere to treatment may continue to be infectious and have a higher risk of developing drug-resistant TB and relapse of the disease.
Controlling TB is Everyone’s Responsibility
At the individual level, we can all do our part by ensuring early diagnosis and compliance with full treatment should we suffer from TB. As TB is a respiratory illness, patients should also observe proper cough etiquette (e.g. wearing mask and coughing into tissue) to prevent transmission.
The stigma attached to TB patients and prolonged treatment required of TB patients both act as barriers for people coming forward for diagnosis and treatment. At the community level, family, friends and employers of TB patients can play a critical role by providing them the support and encouragement. For example, family members should encourage and remind patients to adhere strictly to treatment and employers should be considerate by allowing their workers to take some time off to go to the polyclinic for treatment.
Adapted from MOH press release “We can all play a part in stopping TB”
http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/pressreleases.aspx?id=21274
For more information on TB
Visit http://www.pqms.moh.gov.sg/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx under FAQs on Disease and Illnesses.
