Prevention is key in the fight against tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. Photo: Composition LR- Alvaro Lozano/ Antina
Student organizations have reported an outbreak of tuberculosis (TBC) at the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM). In this context, La República was contacted Julio Salas Bacalla, Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, The affected students have been identified. The Education Commission provided details on the preventive and maintenance measures implemented by the Dean of America.
According to Salas Bakalla, So far five cases of tuberculosis have been confirmed in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering. As an initial measure to prevent spread, It has been decided that all the students of the said teachers will return to virtual classes. Additionally, as of Thursday, November 16, The university clinic conducts screening tests for all students, with the aim of identifying possible additional cases.
Tuberculosis Outbreak Alert Report Photo: Spread
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TBC) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other organs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second deadliest infectious disease in the world after COVID-19. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and symptoms include persistent coughing. , fever, weight loss and fatigue. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics for a long period of time. Early detection and proper treatment are important to prevent the spread of the disease.
What is the TB situation in Peru?
According to an article by the Medical College of Peru, tuberculosis continues to be a public health problem in Peru, with approximately 30,000 diagnoses annually, the second highest incidence in the United States. President of the Peruvian Society of Pulmonology (SPN), Dr. Cesar Herrera Vidal said Peru has a solid vaccination program, including BCG, which prevents severe forms of tuberculosis.
From 2020, the budget for HIV and TB treatment is decreasing significantly. Photo: Ministry of Health
However, according to Ministry of Health (MINSA) data, he had access public eye, there is a lag in diagnosing this disease. In 2019, 32,970 cases were diagnosed in the country. But since that year, similar figures have not been achieved. In 2020, diagnoses dropped to 24,581. In 2021, 26,437 and in 2022, 29,292 were detected.
