The activity took place at the mall in the city, where health teams set up an informational stand and distributed educational brochures to attendees. The initiative aimed to highlight the importance of timely detection and appropriate treatment of tuberculosis. Camila Muñoz, in charge of the tuberculosis program at Cesfam Quillahue, explained that this date is key to raising awareness about a disease that is still present in the country.
She stated that "these actions aim to continue advancing in the task of preventing this disease and treating it on time. " Martín Ayala, a physician in charge of the tuberculosis control and elimination program at Cesfam Dr. René Tapia, indicated that there are still cases under treatment in health centers in the community.
In this context, he emphasized the importance of early detection, asserting that "some people arrive at the hospital with advanced symptoms because they do not consult in time. Therefore, it is essential to inform the community so that they can seek help promptly. " During the event, professionals conducted educational activities to explain what tuberculosis is, how it spreads, and what its treatment entails, also addressing the myths and stigma associated with this disease.
In this context, the professional added that the role of primary care in tuberculosis cases is fundamental, both in education and promotion (informing the community about ways of contagion) and in the control, treatment, and prevention of the disease. In this regard, he highlighted that, in addition to early detection, timely diagnosis is facilitated through tests such as sputum tests, and the pharmacological treatment is initiated and monitored, which is free, safe, and highly effective. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that spreads through the air when a person with pulmonary tuberculosis coughs, talks, or sneezes.
Contagion generally requires prolonged exposure to an untreated sick person. The doctor added that diagnosis is made through a sputum test, the results of which can be available in approximately 48 hours. This test can be requested at any Cesfam without the need for a prior medical consultation.
The main symptoms include coughing up phlegm for more than two weeks and fever, along with other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Finally, the professionals from the Castro Primary Care Network called on the community to visit health centers if tuberculosis is suspected. They emphasized that once treatment is initiated, the transmission chain is interrupted within about 15 days, thus contributing to the control of tuberculosis in the community.