The world is observing World Tuberculosis Day today to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of Tuberculosis.
TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Each day, nearly 4000 lose their lives to TB and close to 28,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease.
The theme of World TB Day 2021 – ‘The Clock is Ticking’ conveys the sense that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders.
Who is most at risk of getting TB?
People at the highest risk of getting infected include people who spend the most time with someone who is sick with TB disease.
People who have lived or traveled to countries that have a high rate of TB.
People with weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV infection.
What are the symptoms of TB disease?
The most common symptoms of active TB disease are a cough lasting more than three weeks.
Unintended weight loss
Coughing up blood
Fever
Pain in the chest
Heavy sweating at night
Chills
Loss of appetite
Weakness or fatigue
