Every year on March 24, the world pauses to observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, a reminder that this infectious disease remains one of the deadliest global health threats. Despite advances in medicine, TB continues to affect millions, with South Africa among the countries with the highest burden.
However, TB is preventable and curable—but only if caught early and treated correctly.
Early signs: What to look out for
TB is sneaky. It starts with symptoms that are easy to dismiss as a lingering cold or seasonal flu. The most common signs according to the World Health Organization include:
- A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever and chills
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Dr. Nokuthula Mthembu, a pulmonologist at Groote Schuur Hospital, warns that many people delay seeking help because they assume the symptoms will go away on their own. “By the time patients come in, their condition has often worsened, making treatment more difficult,” she says.
Why early diagnosis matters
The South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases claims that TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, meaning early detection is key to preventing transmission. If left untreated, it is mentioned that the disease can cause severe lung damage and even spread to other organs, leading to complications like meningitis or TB of the spine.
The Mantoux skin test and GeneXpert test are commonly used to diagnose TB, adds the above source. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms, especially in high-risk areas, doctors strongly recommend getting tested.
Treatment
Once diagnosed, TB treatment typically lasts six months and includes a combination of antibiotics such as rifampicin and isoniazid, according to the World Health Organization. The publication continues to state that many patients stop taking their medication as soon as they feel better, which is where drug-resistant TB becomes a serious issue—when the bacteria mutate and no longer respond to standard treatment.
Dr Nokuthula stresses the importance of completing the full course of medication, even when symptoms disappear. “Stopping too soon can make TB stronger and harder to cure,” she explains.
Fighting TB isn’t just about treatment—it’s about awareness, prevention, and breaking the stigma. The South African Department of Health encourages routine screenings, particularly in communities with high infection rates. Simple habits like covering your mouth when coughing and improving ventilation in homes and workplaces can also help curb its spread.
On World TB Day, the message is clear: Know the signs, get tested early, and complete treatment. The fight against TB is one we can win, but only if we stay informed and proactive.
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