Screening of Tuberculosis in Kharal Abbasian

Azad Kashmir

ABSTRACT

Aims:  Post October 8, 2005 earthquake in Kashmir millions of people were left homeless and exposed to harsh weathers and infections. This study was done to detect active tuberculosis in two areas of district Bagh, which were worst, hit during this disaster.

Settings: This cross sectional study was done at Huda Bari camp and village Bani Pasari of district Bagh Azad Kashmir from 17^th to 24^th November 2006.

Methods: All cases above the age of 12 years complaining of fever, cough and weight loss for more than six weeks were screened for tuberculosis on 2 consecutive days by sputum microscopy for acid fast bacilli (AFB).

Results: Out of 247 suspected cases screened 12 (4.8%) cases of tuberculosis were picked by positive AFB in the sputum. Of the 12 cases 5 were on ATT before earthquake but had discontinued the treatment following this disaster, and developed symptoms in due course of time. Rests of the 7 cases was new and were picked up during screening. Another finding was that following the earthquake the health care facilities from all over the globe and locally supported health care to these affected areas with full swing. The reporting and recording system for tuberculosis in Azad Kashmir was very efficient and most paramedics had already located almost all known tuberculosis patients who were displaced due to earthquake and had motivated them to continue with the treatment for tuberculosis.

Conclusion: Of the 247 suspected cases of tuberculosis 12 cases (5%) had active tuberculosis. Timely relocation and treatment of already known cases and identification of the new cases had been a major step in averting another disaster following earthquake disaster.