Tb infects at least one NZer a day

At least one New Zealander catches tuberculosis (Tb) every day, a reminder that New Zealand is not immune to the contagious disease, the Health Ministry said today.

It is 10 years since Tb was declared a global emergency and each year New Zealand saw an average of 400 cases. In 2001 there were 381 reported cases and two deaths.

The disease mainly affects the lungs and begins with a persistent cough.

"A staggering third of the world's population -- that's two billion people -- are infected with the TB bacteria," ministry spoeskman Doug Lush said.

"Every day, more than 20,000 people develop active TB and 5,000 die from the disease. If left untreated, one person with active TB will infect on average between 10 and 15 people every year," he said in a statement.

However, if caught and treated early enough, almost everyone recovers from Tb, Dr Lush said.

One method of treatment used in New Zealand was Dots (directly observed treatment, short course).

A standard Dots course took six to eight months. If a dose was missed, the medical officer of health must be notified.

New Zealand's guidelines for controlling Tb were updated three months ago, providing the latest information for treating the disease, which is more prevalent in poor countries.

"Since 1996, when the previous guidelines were produced by the Ministry of Health, an enormous amount of literature has been published on TB treatment and prevention," Dr Lush said.

A joint initiative by the Health Ministry and Department of Corrections involves carrying out trial screening for communicable diseases at Christchurch Prison, including identifying and treating Tb.

Dr Lush said anyone who has a cough for more than two weeks should see their doctor, particularly if they had been in contact with someone who had Tb. Weight loss and night sweats were also common symptoms.

Like the common cold, it spreads through the air. Only people who are sick with pulmonary Tb are infectious.

A major problem has been the evolution of new strains of Tb that are resistant to some antibiotics.

- NZPA