KATHMANDU — If you are experiencing a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, and fatigue, do not dismiss these symptoms as a simple seasonal cold. These are primary warning signs of Tuberculosis (TB). Neglecting these symptoms delays diagnosis and significantly increases the risk of spreading the infection to family members and the wider community. Health experts advise that anyone coughing for more than two weeks should seek immediate medical evaluation.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates for 2024, Nepal has approximately 67,000 new TB cases, with a concerning 41 percent remaining outside the reach of health treatment systems. Among active TB patients in Nepal, 72 percent suffer from pulmonary (lung) TB, while 28 percent have extrapulmonary TB affecting other organs. Despite TB being fully curable, delayed diagnosis and incomplete treatment courses contribute to an estimated 16,000 deaths annually in Nepal.
Social stigma, discrimination, and ostracization force many patients to conceal their diagnosis, creating further barriers to containment. Health authorities emphasize that contracting TB is not a matter of shame, but a treatable medical condition. Timely testing and strict adherence to prescribed medication at the nearest health facility are critical steps to protecting oneself and one’s family.