Every March 24th, World Tuberculosis Day reminds us of the ongoing battle against one of history’s deadliest infectious diseases. While we’ve made significant progress, TB remains a serious public health concern, especially in countries like Nigeria. As we observe this important day, here are ten surprising facts about tuberculosis that might change how you think about this ancient disease.
- TB Is Older Than Human Civilization: Tuberculosis has been around for over 9,000 years! Scientists have found evidence of TB in Egyptian mummies dating back to 3000 BCE. This ancient disease has shaped human history longer than most empires existed.
- It Was Once Called “The Captain of Death”: Before modern medicine, tuberculosis was so deadly and common that it earned nicknames like “The Captain of Death” and “The White Plague.” In the 19th century, TB caused up to 25% of all deaths in Europe.
- TB Inspired Vampire Legends: The pale appearance, weight loss, and coughing blood that characterize tuberculosis may have contributed to vampire folklore. When family members died of TB, sometimes others would fall ill shortly after—leading people to believe the dead were somehow feeding on the living.
- Famous TB Victims Changed Culture: Many renowned artists and writers had TB, including John Keats, Franz Kafka, and the Brontë sisters. Some historians believe the “romantic” and melancholic themes in 19th century art were influenced by the TB epidemic.
- Nigeria Has One of the Highest TB Burdens: Our country is among the 30 nations with the highest TB burden worldwide, accounting for approximately 4% of global cases. This makes awareness and prevention particularly important here.
- TB Is Curable, but Treatment Takes Time: Unlike many deadly diseases throughout history, we can now cure TB with antibiotics. However, treatment typically takes 6-9 months and requires strict adherence to medication schedules.
- TB Can Sleep in Your Body for Years: Many people have what’s called “latent TB” the bacteria are present in their bodies but aren’t causing illness. About one-quarter of the world’s population has latent TB, and they can carry it for years or decades before it potentially becomes active.
- The BCG Vaccine Is One of the World’s Oldest: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine against TB was first used in humans in 1921, making it one of the oldest vaccines still in use today. In Nigeria, it’s routinely given to infants to protect against severe forms of tuberculosis.
- TB Is Airborne, But Not Highly Contagious: Unlike some respiratory diseases that spread easily, TB typically requires prolonged, close contact with an infected person. You’re more likely to catch it from someone you live with than from a stranger on a bus. This is why household contact tracing is so important for TB control.
- March 24th Commemorates a Groundbreaking Discovery: World TB Day is observed on March 24th because on this day in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. This breakthrough paved the way for diagnosis and treatment, eventually saving millions of lives.
This World TB Day, take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come in fighting this ancient disease, but also remember that our work isn’t done. With awareness, prevention, and continued support for public health initiatives, we can work toward a TB-free Nigeria and world. That said, avoiding illness is not enough, it’s about embracing wellness. Stay up to date with healthy living tips by watching this space, and remember we’re here when you need to buy drugs, feel free to get your medications delivered to your doorstep.
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