The specialist in lung conditions told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that it would take at least two weeks of close exposure to a tuberculosis sufferer for one to be infected.
Ololade, who is a Senior Registrar at the Pulmonology Unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, listed poor nutrition, low socio-economic status, overcrowding and prison congestion, depressed immunity status as obtains in HIV and Diabetes Mellitus as possible causative agents of the disease.
His words: “For us to overcome this scourge and eradicate tuberculosis faster, we must stop the stigma around sufferers, give them medical care, good food, appropriate treatment and watch them live their lives.
“Ending tuberculosis is achievable in Nigeria. With increased advocacy to sensitise communities about the disease.”, Nigeria will go a long way in overcoming the scourge.”
Another medical expert, Dr. Uthman Adedeji, of the Emergency Medicine Unit, UCH, called on Nigerians to make concerted efforts towards the prevention and treatment of disease.
He urged governments at all levels and policy makers to make provision for free treatment of patients.
The expert said: “Public awareness and advocacy should be intensified to prevent stigmatisation and to encourage early presentation for testing, diagnosis and treatment.
“Early treatment of people with tuberculosis and vaccination for vulnerable groups are equally important.
“People should seek medical attention if they have prolonged cough or fever or unexplained weight loss as early treatment of tuberculosis can help to stop its spread and improve chances of recovery.
“Get tested for tuberculosis if you are at increased risk and if you have HIV or are in contact with people who have tuberculosis in your household or your workplace.
“Take complete course of treatment if diagnosed or if you are at high risk.”
He advised tuberculosis patients to practise good hygiene when coughing or sneezing, including avoiding contact with other people, wearing a mask and disposing of sputum and used tissues properly.
“Worldwide, tuberculosis is the second leading infectious disease killer after COVID-19. It ranks above HIV and AIDS.
“A total of 1.3 million people died from tuberculosis in 2022, including 167,000 people living with HIV.
“Our dear country, Nigeria, is not left out of the campaign to end tuberculosis. With goodwill and policy-driven agenda, tuberculosis can be combated,” he added.
Adedeji noted that people with latent tuberculosis would not feel sick and would not infect others, adding that only a small proportion of people who got infected with tuberculosis would show symptoms.
He also observed that babies and children were at higher risk.
