"No TB epidemic in Vojvodina"

The Institute for Lung Disease in Sremska Kamenica denies there is a tuberculosis epidemic in Vojvodina.

Izvor: B92

Thursday, 07.08.2008.

12:23

Default images

The Institute for Lung Disease in Sremska Kamenica denies there is a tuberculosis epidemic in Vojvodina. In a statement, the Institute said that the media “has upset the public with its sensationalist approach,” since that particular type of multi-resistant tuberculosis was not dangerous, but had long been present in Serbia and in Vojvodina. "No TB epidemic in Vojvodina" It was stated that eight cases of the disease had been registered in Vojvodina, and the Institute emphasized that all the cases were under control. "That type of lung disease was recognized a long time ago as a form of resistance by tuberculosis bacilli to Isoniazid and Rifampicin--two effective and standard treatments for tuberculosis,” the statement read. "Multi-resistant tuberculosis can appear due to poor treatment of regular tuberculosis, and especially when patients neglect their medication,” the statement added. The Institute said that certain media reports claiming that the number of people suffering from multi-resistant tuberculosis was on the rise, were irresponsible, adding that warnings of an epidemic were “exceptionally irresponsible”. Two of the eight patients have been sent home for treatment because they are not contagious, while the remaining six are receiving treatment in the Special Hospital for Lung and Psychiatric Diseases, since these patients are suffering from psychiatric disorders. According to the statement, there are 45 diagnosed cases of this type of tuberculosis in the rest of Serbia, which is less than 2 percent of the total number of people suffering from the disease. "That is a low rate of infection, according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO),” the statement reads. The WHO last month warned that multi-resistant tuberculosis, a type of tuberculosis resistant to medication, might become a global health threat because the disease was not being treated adequately, especially in Asia, due to a lack of medication.

"No TB epidemic in Vojvodina"

It was stated that eight cases of the disease had been registered in Vojvodina, and the Institute emphasized that all the cases were under control.

"That type of lung disease was recognized a long time ago as a form of resistance by tuberculosis bacilli to Isoniazid and Rifampicin--two effective and standard treatments for tuberculosis,” the statement read.

"Multi-resistant tuberculosis can appear due to poor treatment of regular tuberculosis, and especially when patients neglect their medication,” the statement added.

The Institute said that certain media reports claiming that the number of people suffering from multi-resistant tuberculosis was on the rise, were irresponsible, adding that warnings of an epidemic were “exceptionally irresponsible”.

Two of the eight patients have been sent home for treatment because they are not contagious, while the remaining six are receiving treatment in the Special Hospital for Lung and Psychiatric Diseases, since these patients are suffering from psychiatric disorders.

According to the statement, there are 45 diagnosed cases of this type of tuberculosis in the rest of Serbia, which is less than 2 percent of the total number of people suffering from the disease.

"That is a low rate of infection, according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO),” the statement reads.

The WHO last month warned that multi-resistant tuberculosis, a type of tuberculosis resistant to medication, might become a global health threat because the disease was not being treated adequately, especially in Asia, due to a lack of medication.

Komentari 0

0 Komentari

Možda vas zanima

Podeli: