Deadly Disease: Coronavirus worsens Tuberculosis (TB) cases in Nigeria - Itohowo
Mrs Uko Itohowo, the Director, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, says coronavirus has worsened Tuberculosis (TB) cases in Nigeria, approximately 60 percent of patients go disregarded and untreated.
Itohowo stated this on Monday in a virtual media seminar with newsmen in Ilorin.
She stated that in line with the 2020 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, Nigeria is ranked first in main cases of TB in Africa and 6th in the world.
She stated currently, TB kills 18 Nigerians each hour, with a record number of forty seven Nigerians developing active TB every hour, seven of which can be children.
Itohowo found that every one attention had been being placed on coronavirus to the detriment of TB, that is equivalently a deadly disease.
She stated that even though TB is a deadly disease but with right treatment it may be cured.
"The lack of ability of tuberculosis patients to get medication in the course of the COVID-19 lockdown worsened the spread of tuberculosis in Nigeria.
"Thus, approximately 150,000 men and women died of tuberculosis in Nigeria in 2019 alone according to a World Health Organisation report," she stated.
Itohowo listed signs of tuberculosis to encompass fever, lack of weight and protracted cough.
She stated, however, that contrary to misinformation, tuberculosis is curable, and advised humans with continual cough that has lasted for 2 weeks to go for a test.
She stated that with early diagnosis, TB can be cured within six months, including that treatment of tuberculosis is free of charge designated hospitals in the country.
"TB isn't always spread through shaking someone’s hand, sharing food, touching mattress linens or toilet seats, or sharing toothbrushes.
She explained, "TB is also not contracted through witchcraft, but airborne."
Itohowo consequently appealed to media practitioners to help in sensitising the general public about the causes, prevention and treatment of the disease. (NAN)