Mangaluru: There has been a significant increase in the number of tuberculosis cases in Dakshina Kannada, especially North Mangaluru, for the last 15 days but experts say there is not enough evidence to suggest relations with Covid-19.
They instead connect it with better detection.
Data from the Ministry of Health and family welfare shows cases at Mangaluru North reported less than 100 cases.
Dr.
Badrudeen MN, TB Officer District, told Toi: “At this point, we cannot connect Covid with the increase in TB cases.
Of the total TB cases reported in this district, only 15 patients were tested positive for Covid-19 or a contact The main people suffering from viral diseases.
“He said now that covid-induced restrictions have been appointed and with better transportation facilities, more people reach the OPD from various hospitals.
“These are people who suffer from coughing or fever that are persistent for more than two weeks, blood in phlegm, pain in the chest, weight loss or loss of appetite and other symptoms.
Nearly 960 TB patients are under treatment for the past two weeks “He said for the next two months, the government would launch a drive to track tuberculosis patients.
The drive will start from Monday.
“Patients usually recover within six months.
People who show symptoms are sent for chest checks and chest x-rays.
If they test positively, they will be listed under Nikshay to track it from diagnosis to treatment, and monitor them for six months.
Direct Benefits Transfer Scheme From the government provide nutritional support for TB patients.
Under this scheme, a patient gets Rs 500 per month for their nutritional needs, “he said.
Last year, there was a decrease in the number of TB cases that could be caused by Covid-19 limitations.
The district reported 3,256 cases in 2018, a total of 3,439 in 2019 and 2,472 in 2020.