Open the window, beat TB

Tuberculosis is the biggest killer in South Africa, with tens of thousands of new cases being recorded every year. The rise of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in particular has produced a very formidable disease which is increasingly difficult to treat. Today is World TB Day, and governments, health organisations and the media are turning up the heat on tuberculosis.

The best chance South Africa has of beating the TB epidemic is by reducing the spread of the illness, which is transmitted through coughs and sneezes which spread respiratory fluids from anyone with an active TB infection.

So what can you do? Simply open the window. This is according to the Western Cape Department of Health who today launched their Open the Windows campaign. You can find out more about the campaign here.

Read more about TB

15 facts you need to know on World TB Day 2015 

Can you get TB from animals?

TB in South Africa -  a quick guide 

Tutu: TB toll in South Africa is "disgraceful" and "unacceptable" 

Exciting new MDR-Tb drug to be trialled SA