Moydunova noted that specialists from the state sanitary and epidemiological supervision department are currently addressing the situation within their authority. "Everything is in process. We cannot report anything about the results yet. However, all actions are being carried out in accordance with established clinical protocols and algorithms. The index case is the teacher who fell ill, and we are now covering everyone who has been in contact with him. This includes close contacts and family ties. Diagnostic measures are being conducted," she added.
The specialist emphasized that the resonance surrounding the case is not entirely justified. She reminded that there is an existing order from the Ministry of Health that requires certain groups of the population, including educators, to undergo annual medical examinations. "These requirements apply to workers in the education sector, food industry, and sports. All of them are required to undergo medical check-ups. In this case, the teacher also underwent a check-up, having had a fluorography, but perhaps at that time the disease was in its early stages," she explained.
Moydunova clarified that the symptoms of the disease may not manifest immediately, which complicates diagnosis. "Therefore, there may have been no changes on the X-ray. This could also be related to the quality of the image. The incubation period for symptoms to appear is about two months. There may also be factors that contribute to the development of the disease. As a result, today the diagnosis of 'tuberculosis' was made," she added.
The coordinator also explained that in the case of open tuberculosis, the degree of Koch's bacilli excretion can vary. "The excretion can be brief and in small quantities. This is a laboratory understanding, and regardless of the degree, people refer to it as 'open form.' However, there are cases where excretion occurs simultaneously, and the form of the disease is not so severe," she noted.
According to the expert, several conditions are required for tuberculosis infection:
- prolonged close contact with an infected person (at least three months);
- the patient must excrete a large number of mycobacteria (including aggressive and less virulent strains);
- the presence of a weakened immune system in the person (for example, due to chronic diseases, poor nutrition, or alcohol consumption).
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