JAKARTA - The public needs to be more alert to the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB), especially a cough that does not go away. This disease is often considered trivial, even though it can be transmitted quickly if not immediately treated.
Early detection is the key to preventing a wider spread, so it is important for everyone to recognize the signs from the start.
Internal medicine specialist at the North Gorontalo Zainal Umar Sidiki Hospital, dr. Ferdiyanto Dayi SpPD FINASIM, urged residents to immediately check the sputum if they have a cough for more than two weeks.
According to him, in general, the number of tuberculosis cases in Indonesia is still high. Indonesia even ranks second in the world with the highest TB case burden, with a number of close to one million cases and an estimate of around 387 cases per 100,000 people.
If referring to the number of residents of North Gorontalo which reaches more than 131 thousand people, it is estimated that there are around 500 TB cases in the region. However, until 2025, the cases that have been successfully found are only around 470 sufferers.
"There are still quite a lot that have not been found. Therefore, public awareness to immediately check sputum if coughing for more than two weeks is very important. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to check yourself," said Ferdiyanto.
He explained that various efforts had been made by the local health service together with the health centers, including tracking close contacts of patients to find cases that had not been detected.
In addition, his party continues to educate the public to eliminate the stigma against TB disease. Support from family and the surrounding environment is considered very important so that patients want to undergo treatment regularly.
The public is also invited to encourage family members or close relatives who experience prolonged coughing to immediately undergo sputum examination at health facilities.
Ferdiyanto added that currently there is a TB prevention therapy that can be given to family members of confirmed positive patients.
He ensured that TB management in the region was running quite well. Every case found was immediately followed up with tracking of household contacts and education regarding examination and treatment.
Ferdiyanto also clarified various misconceptions in the community, such as TB which is associated with the habit of drinking ice or taking a bath at night.
"That is a myth," he said.
He explained that TB is a bacterial infectious disease that is transmitted through droplets or small splashes when the sufferer coughs or sneezes, which is then inhaled by other people around him.
"One TB patient can transmit the infection to 10 to 15 people. However, not all who are exposed will be sick, depending on the individual's immunity," he explained.
In a family that has TB patients, the patient must undergo treatment regularly, while other family members can receive preventive therapy.
He emphasized that all treatment and supporting facilities, including PCR-based examination tools for rapid TB detection, are available free of charge through health facilities such as the Zainal Umar Sidiki Hospital.
"TB disease can be cured as long as the patient is disciplined in taking medication. Family support is also very important so that patients do not feel alone in undergoing treatment," he added.
Ferdiyanto also invited all parties, from the government, health workers, to the community, to work together to reduce the number of TB cases. According to him, with the available facilities and drugs, TB eradication efforts can be carried out optimally.
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