TB cases rising in country due to the habit of spitting in open! 27% of world's patients are in India

If cough does not go away even after more than 2 weeks, then it could be a symptom of TB or tuberculosis.

According to WHO and World TB Report, TB has proved to be the leading infectious disease in terms of infection and mortality rates for the last few centuries. Every minute one person dies due to TB in the world and India has the highest rate globally.

The habit of spitting in the open (Open Spitting Culture) among the people has also played a big role in increasing TB in the country. ,

Highest number of TB patients in India

According to WHO data, 64% of the world's TB patients are found in 7 countries (India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa).

It is also a matter of concern that according to the Global TB Report 2023, the highest number of TB cases were registered in the country in the year 2022. Of the total TB patients in the world, 27% are in India.

Critical situation in Maharashtra:

At the same time, Maharashtra has the highest number of TB patients in the country. According to a report by Apex Group of Hospitals, Maharashtra, with a population of more than 12 crores, is expected to have more than 2.5 lakh TB patients.

Of these, about 1 lakh get treatment from private doctors, while the remaining patients get treatment in state and municipal health care units. A total of 2.33 lakh TB patients were found in Maharashtra in 2022. This does not include the number of TB patients from small villages and remote areas.

Infection spreads due to spitting in open:

TB is an infectious disease and its infection spreads in many ways. One reason for this is spitting in the open. Despite provisions prohibiting spitting in public and imposing fines, people spitting openly on the roads are easily seen everywhere.

Danger if immune system becomes weak:

However, after getting infected with TB, whether TB will progress or develop in a person depends on his physical condition. If a person's immune system is strong, then disease does not occur despite infection. But if the immune system is weak, TB may develop immediately or after some time after infection.