Initiation of investigation into tuberculosis cases in health units

March is the month dedicated to raising awareness about tuberculosis, a disease with a cure. In Vila Velha, health units are the gateway for case investigation and diagnosed users are referred for treatment in the TB control programme.


Tuberculosis is a contagious and transmissible disease that primarily affects the lungs, although it can affect other organs and/or systems, and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis Or Koch's bacillus. According to Julia Diniz, a nurse at the Epidemiological Surveillance Center of Vila Velha, the main symptoms are a cough for three weeks or more, which may be accompanied by a lack of appetite, low temperature at the end of the day, weight loss, fatigue and night sweats.


Diagnosed deprived users are treated by the prison system's health teams, and those living on the streets receive treatment from Street Clinic teams, a strategy that provides comprehensive health care to this population.


Increase in cases


Data from electronic health information system (VS) health surveillance indicate that TB cases in Espiritu Santo are increasing. In 2020, 283 cases were recorded; In 2023, 394 cases.


Nurse Julia Diniz explains that Vila Velha has acquired new technologies for diagnosing tuberculosis and thus achieves faster results and offers users greater access to treatment.


program

Through a multidisciplinary team consisting of specialized doctors, nurses, nursing technicians and social workers, the TB Control Program in Vila Velha provides exclusive assistance to those infected with the disease.


The service is provided to users referred from health units as well as those seeking the on-demand program daily, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Prainha Health Unit. In positive cases, the resident receives all necessary assistance, including medications.