The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has revealed that at least 3,291 patients have been diagnosed with tuberculosis between January and April 2024.
This information was shared by the Program Manager for the Akwa Ibom State Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy Control Program, Dr Bassey Akpan, during a media review meeting hosted by Breakthrough Action-Nigeria in Uyo, the state capital.
Akpan noted that all the diagnosed patients are currently receiving treatment.
He highlighted that this number has brought the state to over 90 percent of its target in identifying missing tuberculosis cases.
Akpan emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to identify individuals with tuberculosis, as one undiagnosed case could potentially infect over 1,300 people within three years.
Diagnosing tuberculosis in children remains a challenge, Dr. Akpan explained, as they often do not exhibit general symptoms like a cough or produce sputum.
He also pointed out that tuberculosis can manifest in various parts of the body, presenting as extrapulmonary disease, such as mumps on one side of the body with a cold abscess.
Akpan urged parents and caregivers to bring their children to hospitals for tuberculosis testing if they observe symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, and general unwellness, in addition to a persistent cough.
He mentioned that with the availability of portable TB detector machines, the disease can be diagnosed even at the smallest point.
Akpan said, “Between January and now we found 3,291 cases of tuberculosis and that’s over 90 percent of our target which is quite laudable.
“All of them have been placed on treatment. Last year, we had over 10,800 cases. TB among children is a challenge because every one case not found can infect over 1,300 persons in three years, so no matter how many we are, we must find the missing cases.
“When it comes to children, we do reverse contact tracing by looking for the person that transmitted the disease to the child.
“Weight loss that is not amenable to any medication could be TB, the child may not need to cough but has drenching night sweat, weight loss; let the child come forward to hospital to receive a comprehensive TB care at no cost.”
Dr. Akpan also warned people to be cautious in public, particularly when coughing or being near someone who is coughing. He explained that patients who have been treated for tuberculosis could still be reinfected if they expose themselves to the disease again.
The State Coordinator for Breakthrough Action-Nigeria, Bassey Nsa, has previously emphasized the need for increased media partnerships to raise awareness and promote behavioral change regarding tuberculosis and other health-related issues, especially at the community level.
