People urged to watch out for TB symptoms

The general public is urged to watch out for symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB) which is currently widespread affecting many communities throughout the country.

In Papua New Guinea, statistics from the health department reveal that about 30 000 people are infected with TB every year.

Out of the 30,000 people, 7,000 children are children and about 10 percent of them may die from the disease and many more are left with permanent conditions like chronic breathing or brain damage.

PNG Paediatric Society (PNGPS) president, Dr Henry Welch said with a high number of children affected, parents must keep a close watch on their kids for TB symptoms and get immediate medical help.

A person with active TB disease may have any or all of the following symptoms, a persistent cough, constant fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, coughing up blood and night sweats.

Dr Welch said, “If they’re coughing, they should go to their clinic to be evaluated for TB.

“Those who are infected need to take their medication every day as TB is curable and the medication is free.”

He added that with the new project to help children with TB, which combines child-friendly medications, parents shouldn’t have an excuse for their children to not complete their medication.

Dr Welch said they expect to see a significant increase in children taking their required medications regularly and eventually completing their TB treatment successfully.

Author: 
Quintina Naime