Tuberculosis

Current Context : State Tuberculosis Cell, National Health Mission (NHM)-Himachal Pradesh identified nearly 13000 TB patients in Himachal.

1. Total Active TB Cases: 12,835 patients are under treatment across Himachal Pradesh.
2. District-wise Breakdown:
   1. Kangra: Highest with 2,322 active cases.
   2. Mandi: 2,055 cases.
   3. Solan: 1,416 cases.
   4. Shimla: 1,405 cases.
   5. Lahaul and Spiti: Lowest with 52 cases.

3. TB-Free Gram Panchayats (GPs):
   1. Total GPs in State: 3,615.
   2. Declared TB-Free in 2023: 723 GPs.
   3. Kangra: 165 out of 814 GPs.
   4. Mandi: 81 out of 559 GPs.
   5. Lahaul and Spiti: 20 out of 45 GPs.
   6. Shimla: 133 out of 412 GPs.
   7. Una: 68 out of 245 GPs.

ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS (TB) :

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs. The germs that cause tuberculosis are a type of bacteria.

1. Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
2. Spread: Airborne transmission (through coughing, sneezing).
3. Common Symptoms: Cough, chest pain, coughing up blood. If spread, can cause swollen glands, body aches, and headaches.
4. Types:
   1. Inactive TB (Latent): Bacteria present but no symptoms.
   2. Active TB Disease: Bacteria causes illness.

Treatment: Typically a 6-month antibiotic course (e.g., rifampicin, isoniazid). If untreated, TB can be fatal.