The SUN HK : Public urged to take caution on World TB Day

24 March 2023

Wan Chai Chest Clinic, one of several places where TB patients can get treated

Today, March 24, is World TB Day, and the government used the opportunity to urge the public to work together to prevent tuberculosis infection by maintaining personal and environmental hygiene at all time.

According to a government statement, there are still around 4,000 new cases of TB reported in Hong Kong every year, despite a marked decline in the figures over the past few decades.

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From July to December 2022 alone, a total of 1,666 notifications of TB cases were reported.

Of the yearly tally, about 200 TB related-deaths are reported, half of them being patients aged 80 or older.

“A cautious approach on prevention work needs to be maintained,” said the statement.

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Early identification of TB cases and prompt treatment are the key factors in preventing the spread of the disease.

Chest clinics under the Centre for Health Protection provide TB patients with free outpatient consultations and treatments, which normally lasts for six months. TB patients are reminded to strictly comply with the treatment regimen to minimize the emergence of drug-resistant TB.

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The World Health Organization has designated March 24 of each year as World TB Day, to encourage countries all over the world to combat TB together.

CHP does its part by disseminating TB-related information on the Internet and social media platforms, and also work with the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association and the Hospital Authority to organize a series of health education talks.

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TB is an airborne disease which is passed on when a patient coughs or sneezes, releasing small droplets containing the tubercle bacilli in the air. Another person may get infected if he or she breathes in these small airborne droplets. However, prolonged exposure is more often associated with infection.

To guard against TB, people should maintain a healthy lifestyle by keeping a balanced diet, avoid smoking and alcohol intake, exercising, and getting enough rest.

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If symptoms develop, such as a persistent cough, blood in the sputum, weight loss, fever and night sweating, the person should seek prompt medical advice.

For more TB-related information, services and figures, visit the CHP's page on World TB Day (www.info.gov.hk/tb_chest/en/worldtbday.htm) and the website of the Tuberculosis and Chest Service (www.info.gov.hk/tb_chest), or call the telephone hotline (2572 6024).