Tuberculosis (TB) is considered a serious respiratory infection, which increases the risk of many health problems. TB infection, caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can cause serious damage to the lungs. Despite the continuous efforts of the government to prevent this serious disease, TB cases in the country remain a cause of concern.
According to media reports, recently thirty students of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Silchar, Assam, have been found infected with TB. Due to the confirmation of this serious disease among the students, an atmosphere of fear is being seen on the campus.
A health department team tested 200 students on Tuesday and 30 of them were found to have TB symptoms, officials said. His samples have been sent to Silchar Medical College. A student from Bangladesh was found infected with the disease after returning home in February this year and was later isolated. Probably due to coming in contact with him, the rest of the students have become infected with TB.
After students were found infected with TB, a question arose in the minds of people whether young people could also fall prey to this infection.
Anyone can get TB
NIT officials have refused to talk to the media on this subject. However, according to students, the infection is spreading rapidly in the institute.
Health experts say TB infection can happen to a person of any age. Its risk has been seen to be higher in children under two years of age. TB in this age group can cause serious illness in the fluid around the brain-spinal cord, called meningitis. TB can have serious side effects in the elderly. Young adults can also be at risk due to the bacteria, so everyone must continue to be protected from TB.
TB risk in young people
The problem of TB has been a major threat among young people around the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 7,882 TB cases in US states in 2021. In 2021, 317 cases of TB were seen in children aged 14 years or younger in the United States. This year, 4% of TB cases in the US were reported in children under 15 years of age.
Health experts say people of any age can become vulnerable to infection. Some conditions increase the risk of infection and TB disease.
These can be risk factors for TB infection
Health experts say some factors increase the risk of infection. Living with or having close contact with a TB patient can increase your risk of infection. Apart from this, if you live in an area where there is already an outbreak of TB, then in this situation your risk of getting infected also increases.
Apart from this, people whose immune system is weak also have a higher risk of getting infected and getting TB disease.
How to avoid TB?
Health experts say, that in countries where the TB problem is common, the risk of infection can be reduced by vaccinating infants with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Apart from this, there is a risk of TB or any other type of respiratory infection spreading rapidly in places with less ventilation, hence it is important to ensure better air circulation in the room. Wearing a mask can also be an effective way to keep you safe from the risk of respiratory infections.
(PC: Pixabay)
