From January to April 2024, the number of tuberculosis patients diagnosed in Akwa Ibom State has reached 3,291.
During a media review meeting by Breakthrough Action-Nigeria in Uyo, Dr. Bassey Akpan, the Program Manager of Akwa Ibom State Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Program under the Ministry of Health, revealed that all the patients are currently undergoing treatment.
Akpan highlighted that this figure represents over 90 percent achievement towards the state’s target in identifying missing tuberculosis cases.
Emphasizing the importance of continuous efforts in tuberculosis detection, Akpan warned that a single undetected case could potentially infect more than 1,300 individuals within three years.
He also pointed out the challenges in diagnosing tuberculosis in children, as they may not exhibit typical symptoms like coughing or sputum production.
Furthermore, Akpan mentioned that tuberculosis can manifest as extra-pulmonary disease, presenting symptoms like mumps on one side of the body with cold abscess.
He urged parents and caregivers to seek tuberculosis tests for children displaying symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, and general malaise, noting that early detection is vital with the availability of Portable TB detector machines.
According to Akpan, “We have identified 3,291 tuberculosis cases between January and now, which exceeds 90 percent of our set target, a commendable achievement. Every individual diagnosed has commenced treatment. Tuberculosis poses a challenge among children, where a single missed case could lead to infecting over 1,300 individuals in three years. Therefore, it is crucial to locate all missing cases.”
He added, “For children, we conduct reverse contact tracing to identify the source of infection. Unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, and general unwellness could indicate tuberculosis, even without a cough. Parents should promptly take their children to hospitals for comprehensive TB care at no cost.”
Akpan cautioned the public about the risk of tuberculosis transmission and reinfection, advising individuals to be cautious around potentially infected individuals who are coughing.
In his address, Bassey Nsa, the State Coordinator of Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria, advocated for increased media collaborations to enhance awareness and promote behavioral change regarding tuberculosis and other health-related matters within communities.