New Tuberculosis Strain On Increase. 2/9/10
MDR-TB, a new form of TB that is difficult to treat and can develop as a result of not taking TB medication correctly and not finishing the course of treatment as required,
By Alvine
2 September 2010
Oranjemund — Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), a new form of TB that is difficult to treat and can develop as a result of not taking TB medication correctly and not finishing the course of treatment as required, is noticeably on the increase in Lüderitz District, according to the Karas Regional Health Directorate.
In a speech read on his behalf by Dr Obey Mawire of the Karas Regional Health Directorate, the Karas Regional Health Director, Dr Puumue Katjiuanjo, said people should encourage those who are on TB treatment to take medication correctly and to finish the course. He also said people with TB symptoms should be referred to clinics for early diagnosis.
Although TB is curable, it can kill if not treated, said Mawire. He explained that TB is spread by droplet infection through coughing and sneezing in poorly ventilated areas.
"Some of the symptoms and signs of TB include a cough for more than three weeks, fever, weight loss and night sweats," he said. He encouraged people who are experiencing these symptoms to go for check-ups at their nearest clinics.
He said the most common illnesses in Lüderitz District stem from TB and HIV/AIDS.
"Lüderitz District is committed to fighting these diseases," he added.
Additionally, he said, people in the district are encouraged to know their HIV status, adding that people can get tested at all clinics in the district. He exhorted people not to hesitate to visit the nearest clinic for testing.
"We are committed to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS," Mawire said.
Mawire also said that patients who are sick either with TB or other illnesses are encouraged to get tested for HIV, "as it may be an early sign that the body is getting weak".
If a person is HIV-negative, Mawire said, it is important that they stay negative through abstinence and safer sex - such as condom use during sexual intercourse and reducing the number of sexual partners to one faithful partner.
"We also encourage men who are HIV-negative to be circumcised to reduce the risk of contracting the HIV virus. If you are HIV-positive, we enrol you at any of our clinics for HIV treatment and care," he said.
He disclosed that all pregnant women are encouraged to book their pregnancy early and get tested for HIV so that the risk of the baby contracting the virus is reduced by either treating the mother or by giving prophylactic medicines to the mother.
Lüderitz District has one district hospital and three clinics, one each at Aus, Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund.