According to Provincial National Tuberculosis Program Coordinator Virginia Lalin, there are already four drug resistant cases of tuberculosis in the province for the first quarter of 2019.
For 2018, the three retreatment cases were from Bangued, Lagayan, and Pidigan while the 2019 cases are from Manabo, Lacub, La Paz, and Tayum.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis primarily affecting the lungs.
Lalin said that these retreatment cases could be due to incomplete treatment and patients’ lifestyle (ex. vices).
In treating the patient, family members and Barangay Health Workers are trained to make sure the patient is taking the medication continuously.
Fortunately, through the GeneXpert machine of the province, Lalin said the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria will be easier to detect as well as its resistance to the drug. Upon detection, the patient will immediately start the treatment which spans for six months.
She also appealed to the patients to complete their medications. It is given for free within the span of the treatment.
Lalin is also advising every Abreño to see the nearest health center when suffering from cough for more than two weeks for treatment and cure.