THE taboo around Tuberculosis is being challenged to mark World TB Day on Friday, March 24.

Led by the World Health Organisation, the dedicated day is held every year to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of the disease and counter the stigma around it. TB remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing nearly 1.5 million deaths every year, mostly in the developing world.

Sabiha Diwan, community TB healthcare support worker in the Communicable Diseases Team at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “TB is a fatal disease, second only to HIV and AIDS.

“There is a lot of stigma around the illness with people shutting off as soon as you mention it.

“World TB Day is a great opportunity to dispel this taboo and get people talking.

“Some nine million people fall ill each year with TB and three million of them don’t get the care they need.

“The illness is spread person to person and can be caught through coughing, spitting or sneezing and breathing in droplets through the air.

“Common symptoms include fever, tiredness, night sweats, weight loss, loss of appetite and a cough that lasts for more than three weeks.

“We want to ensure the messages get out there so help and support can be given.”