There is not enough evidence to suggest that there has been an increase in Tuberculosis (TB) cases due to COVID-19 , the Centre said on Saturday. The statement comes after media reports pointed out that a sudden rise in cases of Tuberculosis (TB) has been noticed among patients who were infected with COVID-19 recently. Centre in a directive notified, it is clarified that TB screening for all COVID-19 positive patients and COVID-19 screening for all diagnosed TB patients has been recommended by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. States/UTs have been asked for convergence in efforts for better surveillance and case finding of TB and COVID-19, as early as August 2020, it adds. Moreover, there is not enough evidence currently to suggest that there has been an increase in TB cases due to COVID-19 or due to increased case finding efforts, it adds.

Source: Mint July 17, 2021 11:48 UTC