Early Diagnosis Helps Detect TB Cases
According to the World Health Organisation, more than a third of the world's population is infected with tuberculosis mycobacteria, and as many as 8 to 10 million people develop active tuberculosis each year. Tuberculosis remains one of the most common infectious diseases and is a cause for public concern. Although the number of tuberculosis cases in Lithuania has fallen by a third (33.2%) in the last five years, the prevalence remains high. Experts at the National Public Health Centre (NPHC) point out that this disease is preventable and that it is important to maintain regular health checks, which can help to prevent it or detect it early.
Not everyone who is infected develops the disease
Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that spreads by close contact with a person who has TB. The disease is transmitted through the airborne route, when an infected person releases TB mycobacteria into the air by coughing, talking, sneezing, or singing. These bacteria-containing droplets are inhaled by a nearby person, and the pathogen is then released into the person's lungs.
It should be noted that in some cases, a person can be infected with TB mycobacteria and not become ill. In such cases, the bacteria are not active in the body, i.e. do not multiply, the person does not show any symptoms of the disease (low fever, prolonged cough, chest pain, heavy night sweats, etc.), and the disease is not transmitted, thus posing no danger to others. However, in the presence of risk factors (e.g., a weakened immune system, chronic lung diseases, alcohol abuse, smoking, pregnancy, etc.), a person can develop TB and become infectious to others in close contact.
Last updated: 21-11-2024
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