Tuberculosis Claims 300 Lives in Ogun State, Nigeria
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Tuberculosis has tragically claimed the lives of 300 individuals in Ogun State, Nigeria. The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria made this startling revelation during the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State. The state has experienced a distressing 100% rise in tuberculosis cases in recent times, raising concerns among health officials.
Ms Florinda Olawusi, the Senior Programme Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, expressed her worry over the significant increase in tuberculosis cases, comparing the data to previous years. In 2019, Ogun State recorded approximately 3,000 cases, but in the span of just one year, the number escalated to over 6,000 cases. This represents a staggering 100% increment in the number of diagnosed cases.
Olawusi further explained that once patients are diagnosed, they embark on a six-month treatment program. However, despite the efforts to provide treatment, over 300 patients lost their lives to tuberculosis-related causes in Ogun State last year. The State Programme Manager for TB and Leprosy Control, Olusola Taiwo, highlighted the role of living conditions in the spread of the disease, emphasizing the importance of good ventilation and proper coughing etiquette to prevent the transmission of TB germs.
The World Health Organisation representative, Omotunde Ogunlaja, urged residents to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with tuberculosis. She emphasized that tuberculosis is curable and urged individuals diagnosed and placed on treatment to adhere to their prescribed medication.
Ogun State now faces the daunting task of tackling the rising cases and improving access to healthcare facilities for early diagnosis and treatment. Efforts to combat tuberculosis in the region will focus on early detection, effective treatment, and community education to prevent further loss of life to this deadly infectious disease.
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Everyone should take precautions to avoid the spread of the disease and report any symptoms immediately to the next hospital for proper medication.