of death among infectious diseases. However, physicians already have the tools with which to eliminate the disease.
Tuberculosis is generally thought of as a disease of the lungs, but from a pulmonary focus, it may attack almost any part of the body. It is contracted by inhaling into the lungs bacteria that have been coughed into the air by a person with advanced disease and therefore contagious. Once the bacteria are inhaled, the body defenses are usually capable of isolating them into small areas within the tissues, thereby preventing any significant destruction or disease.
Tuberculosis germs are passed from person to person in numerous ways. Careless people spit on the floor, in public places or on walks or paths. The germs may be in their sputum. Mixed with dust, some of these germs may be blown about and breathed in by the passerby or be carried into homes with shoes. Children play in such places, soil their hands with the playing materials and later carry the germs to their mouths. Germs may be left on spoons, drinking cups, whistles or pencils which may be taken into their mouths.
Furthermore, if a cow has tuberculosis, the germs may get into the milk. Also, if a person with tuberculosis handles milk, it may be contaminated. Far more important and dangerous is the direct contact of a person with another who has the disease.
A tuberculosis mother who kisses her baby on the mouth is almost sure to plant some of her germs in the body of her child. Unfortunately, other members of the household–grandmothers, uncle and, aunts, may have tuberculosis without their knowledge and how dangerous it is for them to kiss children.
The control of tuberculosis is through detection of individuals with the disease in order to render them non infections; detection of those who are infected, but have not yet developed the disease in order to prevent them from developing it and detection of uninfected person in order to prevent them from becoming infected by immunizing them with BCG.
Access to adequate health care is very pertinent to effective control of tuberculosis. Anambra state government must be commended for its radical approach to health issues in the state. The ultimate goal of the government is provision of adequate health services for the people.
All hands must be on deck to win the war against tuberculosis.
Written by PROFESSOR PETER KATCHY
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