Prevention is crucial in the fight against tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. Photo: Composition LR- Alvaro Lozano/ Andina
Student organizations have reported about an outbreak of tuberculosis (TBC) at the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM). In this context, La República contacted Julio Salas Bacalla, dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, in whose facilities affected students have been identified. The educational authority gave details about the preventive and care measures implemented by the Dean of America.
According to Salas Bacalla, So far, five cases of TB have been confirmed in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering. As an initial measure to prevent the spread, It has been decided that all students resume virtual classes. Additionally, as of Thursday, November 16, The university clinic is conducting screening tests for all students, with the goal of identifying possible additional cases.
Statement alerting about a TB outbreak Photo: Diffusion
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TBC) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Mycobacterium genus, mainly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other organs. It is the second deadliest infectious disease in the world, after COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and symptoms include a persistent cough. , fever, weight loss and fatigue. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics over a long period of time. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial to preventing the spread of the disease.
What is the situation of TB in Peru?
According to an article from the Medical College of Peru, tuberculosis continues to be a public health problem in Peru, with approximately 30 thousand diagnoses annually, placing the country as the second with the highest incidence in America. For the president of the Peruvian Society of Pulmonology (SPN), Dr. César Herrera Vidal, Peru has a solid vaccination scheme, which includes BCG to prevent severe forms of tuberculosis.
Since 2020, the budget for HIV and tuberculosis care has been decreasing significantly. Photo: Ministry of Health
However, according to data from the Ministry of Health (Minsa), to which Ojo Público had access, there is a setback in the identification of this disease. In 2019, the country detected 32,970 cases. But since that year, similar figures have not been achieved. In 2020, detection fell to the lowest point of 24,581 reported. In 2021, there were 26,437 and in 2022, 29,292 were detected.
