Techiman(B/A), July 24, GNA - Tuberculosis outbreak within Techiman Municipality has increased from 31 cases last year to 40 new cases between January to June this year.

Nana Stephen Nketiah, Techiman Municipality Tuberculosis Coordinator has therefore, appealed to the public to promptly seek treatment when affected by the disease to help curb its spread.

He was speaking at a day's workshop on the disease at Techiman attended by members of the Municipal Health Management team and officials in charge of eight sub-municipal health offices, mostly newly qualified midwives.

Nana Nketiah said the situation was alarming and explained that the disease was air-borne and spreads easily affecting the lungs, throat, bones, kidney and intestines becoming common and one of the leading causes of death in the country.

He advised anyone who experienced sweating in the night, loss of weight and persistent coughing to visit the nearest health facility for diagnosis and treatment.

Nana Nketiah urged families and friends to show sympathy to affected persons to help speed up their recovery and dismissed the notion held by some people that the disease was caused by spiritual forces.

He said treatment of the disease was free therefore, affected people should not hesitate to seek treatment.

In another development, 14 bicycles have been distributed to community-based surveillance volunteers for health services at Offuman, Tanoso, Aworowa, Forikrom, Buoyem and Tuobodom, all within the Municipality.