Tuberculosis

Section 1 of 9

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most often affects the lungs — pulmonary TB — but it can also affect the lymph nodes, bones, joints, brain, kidneys and other organs, which is known as extra-pulmonary TB.

TB develops slowly. Symptoms may be mild for many months, which is why people often delay seeking care and continue to spread the germ to those around them.

A cough lasting more than two weeks
Fever, especially in the evening
Loss of weight and loss of appetite
Night sweats and tiredness
Chest pain or coughing up blood

Anyone with a cough of more than two weeks should have their sputum tested for TB at the nearest chest clinic or government hospital.

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Section 2 of 9

How does it spread?

TB spreads through the air. When a person with TB of the lungs coughs, sneezes or talks, tiny droplets carrying the germ are released and can be breathed in by people nearby.

TB is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drink, or touching bed linen.

Close, prolonged contact carries the highest risk
Poorly ventilated rooms concentrate the germ
A person on treatment soon stops being infectious

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Who can get TB?

Anyone can get TB, but some people are at greater risk of developing the disease once infected.

People living with HIV
People with diabetes
Household contacts of a TB patient
Smokers and people who misuse alcohol
Young children and the elderly

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Diagnosis

TB is diagnosed by testing sputum under a microscope or with a rapid molecular test (GeneXpert). A chest X-ray helps, and further tests may be needed for extra-pulmonary TB.

All diagnostic tests are free at district chest clinics and government hospitals.

Bring any previous X-rays and prescriptions with you to the clinic.

Section 5 of 9

Cure for tuberculosis

TB is curable. Treatment lasts at least six months and uses a combination of anti-TB drugs, all provided free of charge by the national programme.

Take every dose, every day
Do not stop when you start to feel better
Report side effects to your clinic

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What is Directly Observed Treatment (DOT)?

Under DOT, a trained person watches the patient take each dose. It makes sure treatment is completed, which cures the patient and prevents drug resistance.

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The current situation of TB in Sri Lanka

Around 9,000 to 10,000 people are estimated to develop TB in Sri Lanka each year, but only about two-thirds are notified. Finding the missing cases is the programme’s first priority.

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Preventing the spread of TB

Early diagnosis and complete treatment are the best prevention. Household contacts are screened, and eligible contacts are offered TB preventive treatment.

Cover your mouth when you cough
Keep rooms well ventilated
Get contacts screened

Section 9 of 9

Messages to the community

TB is curable and treatment is free. Seek care early, complete your treatment, and support people with TB rather than stigmatising them.

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