Nearly 26,000 TB patients treated in 2024
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY --- 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, said a success rate of 94 percent from the total of 31,399 cases in 2024 across the region’s six provinces was achieved.
“When we refer to the success rate, we are referring to the TB-enrolled that were treated. For 2023, we have 25,363 treated cases, and for 2024, we recorded 25,919,” she said Thursday.
For 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 this year, there were 15,533 enrolled for TB treatment in the region.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it is a curable condition.
“TB primarily affects our lungs, but it can also affect other organs like bones and skin. If left untreated, it can be fatal,” she said.
The DOH, under the National TB Control Program, is aiming to achieve a TB-free Philippines with zero deaths.
“To achieve the goal, DOH effectively undertakes 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 for preventing the development of drug-resistant TB,” she said.
She added that 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 see if other household members are affected,” she said.
TB spreads through airborne transmission. It can be contracted when an individual with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, shouts, or spits, releasing TB bacteria into the air as tiny particles.
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.
Some of the symptoms of TB include chronic cough (lasting two weeks or more), night sweats (excessive sweating during sleep), fever (often rising in the evening), chest pain (sharp and worsening with breathing), unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite (reduced food intake), and coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm).(PNA)
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