Bicol: The Department of Health in the Bicol region (DOH-5) has recorded 25,919 patients treated for tuberculosis (TB). Aida Ruby Jeremias, TB program coordinator, announced a success rate of 94 percent from a total of 31,399 cases in 2024 across the region's six provinces.
According to Philippines News Agency, the success rate refers to the TB-enrolled patients who were treated successfully. In 2023, 25,363 cases were treated, with an increase to 25,919 cases in 2024. Albay recorded 5,748 treated cases; Masbate, 3,868; Sorsogon, 3,494; Catanduanes, 1,142; Camarines Norte, 2,480; and Camarines Sur, 9,187.
In the first two quarters of this year, there were 15,533 patients enrolled for TB treatment in the region. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it is a curable condition. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs like bones and skin. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
The DOH, under the National TB Control Program, is aiming to achieve a TB-free Philippines with zero deaths. To reach this goal, the department employs a multi-sectoral approach for intensified people-centered, inclusive, and quality TB care and support. Early treatment and completing the full course of antibiotics are essential for successful recovery and preventing the development of drug-resistant TB.
Successful treatment requires strict adherence to the medication regimen, which typically lasts from six to nine months, even if symptoms improve. Persons exhibiting symptoms can get tested at public health centers, rural health units, public and private hospitals, private clinics, and DOTS-accredited facilities. If one family member has TB, everyone must undergo screening to determine if other household members are affected.
TB spreads through airborne transmission, contracted when an individual with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, shouts, or spits, releasing TB bacteria into the air. Close contact with an infected person can lead to infection if others inhale these particles. It is not spread through casual contact, such as touching clothes or shaking hands. Symptoms of TB include chronic cough, night sweats, fever, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, and coughing up blood or sputum.
