The Yobe State Programme Officer for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (TB-LC), Dr. Garba Audu has said that 485 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis. The confirmations of TB patients, were conducted in the first quarter of 2021 in 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) with standard GeneXpert machine. While lamenting on spread of TB, he said: “The highest burden LGAs are Potiskum, Damaturu and Gashua, 185 kilometres north of the state capital,” assuring that the patients are placed on proper medication and treatment for a minimum of six months. On challenges of TB, he said: “COVID-19 pandemic is a major challenge to TB cases in the state.” He noted that there are similarities of symptoms between COVID-19 deadly virus and TB. They both present with cough, fever, body weakness among other similar symptoms, after people have contracted the diseases. On treatment of TB patients, he said: “We’re proactive and working closely with local government focal persons, across the state.” He said that the patients are currently on six-month treatments in 183 public and private health facilities. He therefore urged the media to assist by “enlightening and sensitizing” the people to end contraction and spread of TB.
