6,237 Tested Positive for Tuberculosis in Madurai Dist in 2024; Males Most Affected

IN 2024, a total of 6,237 people tested positive for tuberculosis (TB) in Madurai district, and the treatment success rate for the bacterial disease stood at 87% (4,934 people cured), according to official records.

- SARAVANAN M P @Madurai

Besides, 1,809 cases were detected in the first three months of this year, with health officials saying the disease has been more prevalent in the district among men.

As per records, in 2023, 5,879 new cases were detected in the district, and the total number of people cured stood at 4,719 (87% treatment success rate). Similarly, 6,075 tested positive in 2022, and the treatment success rate was 88% (3,761 cured).

Dr. Rajasekar, Deputy Director of Medical Services (Tuberculosis), Madurai, told TNIE, "In Madurai district, besides a majority of the TB patients being men, the disease is prevalent among the age group of 15 to 65 years, as they travel to many places and also play a role in spreading the infection."