KOZHIKODE: There is widespread concern over the discontinuation of DOTS (directly- observed treatment, short-course) by tuberculosis patients. According to the district TB centre, 1,787 people were afflicted with the disease in 2015 and 100 within 50 days of this year out of the total 2,504 persons screened.
“A TB-afflicted person needs to take DOTS treatment for a minimum period of six to nine months. That has not been adhered to. After a few months of taking treatment, the test would turn negative and there ends the treatment,” explained district TB officer Dr P. P. Pramod Kumar.
As many as 132 patients had died due to the disease in 2015, 125 in 2014 and 122 in 2013. But officials were cautious that all deaths are not because of TB alone but accompanied by other sickness also.
People with less immunity are more vulnerable to this air-borne disease which is mostly spread through coughing sans any cover. The disease is confirmed through the sputum smear test.
As it will take four days for confirmation, it would have passed to others by that time. “Antibiotics such as Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol are given on alternative days while taking DOTS. Efforts are going on at the national level to cut it down to a single tablet,” added Dr Pramod Kumar.
The free dose of DOTS has been available at all CHCs, taluk, district hospitals and district TB centres. District health office has been observing TB eradication week from February 17 to 23.
