Together against tuberculosis: what we need to know about the forgotten pandemic

Together against tuberculosis: what we need to know about the forgotten pandemic

Penzing, Österreich - On March 24th, the world tuberculosis day will be celebrated worldwide. This day is an opportunity to draw attention to one of the most deadliest infectious diseases in the world that demands around 1.25 million lives every year. In Austria, around 120 patients are treated in the country's largest tuberculosis station in Penzing every year. There are currently around 400 tuberculosis patients in the country, whereby the healing rate is impressive.

The disease is triggered by mycobacteria, which mainly affect the lungs, but can also attack other organs. The symptoms include long -lasting cough, weight loss, fever and night sweat. In Austria, tuberculosis is comparatively rare, which means that many doctors do not immediately think of the disease in the event of corresponding symptoms. Untreated, however, tuberculosis can be fatal, and about a quarter of the world's population bears the bacteria, whereby the disease never breaks out in 90% of the cases.

Current numbers and trends

Despite the progress in treatment, global tuberculosis epidemic is by no means overcome. According to the report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the estimated number of new TB diseases rose to around 10.6 million in 2022, which means an increase compared to previous years. The deaths of tuberculosis amount to an estimated 1.3 million in 2022. This shows that the tuberculosis control urgently needs to be prioritized, especially since the covid-19 pandemic and armed conflicts affect the resources for TB supply.

treatment and prevention

Tuberculosis is usually treated with a combination of four antibiotics over at least six months. Patients who suffer from open tuberculosis must be isolated and treated inpatient. Cases with multi -resistant germs are particularly challenging. After 2-4 weeks of treatment, most patients are no longer contagious. A modern tuberculosis outpatient clinic is available in the Ottakring Clinic in Penzing.

An interdisciplinary team accompanies the patients throughout the treatment, including social workers and clinical psychologists. Tuberculosis is subject to reporting and the environment of those affected is closely monitored. The disease can heal completely, but in some cases leaves scars in the lungs that can lead to continuing breathing difficulties.

The challenges that public health care faces are significant. In order to achieve the goals of the WHO and the "End-TB strategy", which strives for a decline in death by 75 % by 2025, it is important to prioritize tuberculosis control and to draw resources and attention to this neglected pandemic

Further information can be found in the reports of wien.gv.at href = "https://www.rki.de/de/themen/infeteksteheitsen/infektekstärke-az/t/tuberkulose/archiv_bericht_tb_tl_tml"> rki and dzk tuberkulose .