“…there were about 177 treatment centres in Cross River State,” Health Commissioner
Tuberculosis, also known as TB has reportedly killed 149 as well as infested about 700 in Cross River State.
TB is an infectious disease of humans and animals caused by a species of mycobacterium, usually, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mainly infecting the lungs where it causes tubercles characterised by the expectoration of mucus and sputum, fever, weight loss, and chest pain, and transmitted through inhalation or ingestion of bacteria.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk revealed this weekend during the inauguration of the 2024 tuberculosis campaign to mark World Tuberculosis Day at Christ for the World Mission, Calabar.
Ayuk said the attack is for the last two years, adding “You can see that the mortality is not accepted. TB is a killer, yet it can be prevented. It can be treated. This is why we came here to let people know.”
Speaking further, the Health Commissioner said, “There were about 177 treatment centres in Cross River State. I am urging residents of the state with coughs that have lasted beyond two weeks to visit any of the centres for free diagnosis and treatment.
“When you visit any treatment centre and you are declared positive, treatment is free it’s the reason we are here in church to let you know this.”
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The Programme Manager, TB and Leprosy Control in Cross River, Dr Bassey Offor, on the other hand, said that one infected person with TB can infect more than 15 persons within a year.
Offor enumerated local government areas in the state with high prevalence of tuberculosis to include Calabar South, Ogoja, Boki and Yakurr, stressing that a filthy environment is responsible for tuberculosis infection.
On her part, the State Coordinator, Breakthrough Breakthrough Action, Pascaline Edim, advised residents of the state not to live in crowded and filthy environments so as not to be infected with the virus.
She urged nursing mothers to ensure that the antigens vaccine is administered to their babies given the fact that the virus is an airborne disease.