 in South Sudan. Speaking on Don Bosco Radio, Dr. Dut advised individuals who suspect they may have TB to seek prompt medical care, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in eliminating the disease.){kind=link}
By Samuel Aru
During a live radio talk show on Friday, Dr. David Dut, a medical practitioner from Tonj Civil Hospital, emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention to combat the prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) in South Sudan. Speaking on Don Bosco Radio, Dr. Dut advised individuals who suspect they may have TB to seek prompt medical care, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in eliminating the disease.
Dr. Dut explained that Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The infection is typically contracted when a person inhales TB germs, which can settle in the lungs and start to grow. The bacteria can then spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
“There are two types of TB,” Dr. Dut elaborated, “pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs, and extrapulmonary TB, which can infect other parts of the body, including the lymphatic system, throat, brain (causing TB meningitis), and bones, particularly the legs.” He warned that both types of TB could be fatal if not treated promptly.
Dr. Dut also highlighted that TB can be contracted not only from other people but also from consuming contaminated cow’s milk, which contains a different strain of the bacterium called Mycobacterium bovis.
To prevent the spread of TB, Dr. Dut strongly recommended sleeping in well-ventilated rooms and urged those with symptoms of TB to seek medical care rather than resorting to traditional healers. “It is important to prioritize professional medical treatment for TB to effectively manage and eliminate the disease,” he said.
The live talk show, which airs every Friday on Don Bosco Radio, will feature Dr. Dut again next week, where he will discuss preventive measures against HIV and AIDS.