Sixth place in Ukraine: the number of tuberculosis diseases has increased in the Mykolaiv Region

Taking blood from a patient, archival photo of «Nikvesti"

As of 2024, the number of cases of active tuberculosis in the Mykolaiv region is 710.

This was announced on Tuesday, March 12. at. Iryna Tkachenko, head of the health care department of the Mykolaiv Oblast, writes NikVesti.

Compared to 2022, the number of diseases increased by 179 cases. Currently, the incidence rate of active tuberculosis has increased to 65.1% per 100,000 population.

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«Unfortunately, the situation regarding tuberculosis in the region is rather complicated. During 2023, we registered 710 patients with active forms, including relapses. Compared to 2022, when there were 531 patients, the figure has increased,» the official said.

At the same time, Iryna Tkachenko appealed to the patients themselves with a request not to delay the treatment process, because timely help can guarantee a full recovery.

«Our region ranks sixth in morbidity. Tuberculosis is not a social disease. We have a full range of available medications. Early detection is of great importance. Timely administration of drugs leads to the fact that patients fully recover and can lead an active lifestyle,» says Iryna Tkachenko.

We would like to remind you that in 2019, the Mykolaiv region took first place in the incidence and prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

What should a person know about tuberculosis?

This is an infectious disease, the causative agent of which is mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is also called Koch's bacillus.

The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, usually through coughing, sneezing or sharing household items with a sick person.

Although TB can affect anyone, the most vulnerable groups are people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, or those who live or work in a high-risk area (such as in unsanitary conditions or in an area with high patients with tuberculosis).

In 90% of people, the disease affects the lungs. Less often, the disease can also damage other organs: kidneys, spine, brain, lymph nodes, intestines, skin, genitals, etc. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is not contagious and is life-threatening only to those people who are infected.

There are 2 conditions associated with tuberculosis: latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease. A person with latent TB infection usually has no symptoms, feels well, and cannot pass the TB bacteria to others. X-ray of the lungs in the latent form does not show any changes, and the sputum smear is negative. However, a tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) or a blood test for gamma interferon will show the presence of TB infection.