Persistent cough could signal TB, health experts warn

— TB kills 1.5 million people yearly

— Persistent cough and weight loss are key warning signs

— Early testing and completing treatment are critical to stop the spread

A persistent cough could be an early warning sign of tuberculosis (TB), as health experts warn the disease remains a serious concern in South Africa, despite being preventable and curable.

Health experts are urging South Africans to seek early testing and complete treatment, warning that delays in diagnosis and poor adherence are driving ongoing transmission.

TB still killing millions worldwide

According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest global TB report, an estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2024, including 1.2 million children and adolescents.

TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, responsible for around 1.5 million deaths annually.

In the same year, 8.3 million people were newly diagnosed, highlighting the scale of the epidemic.

Persistent cough among early TB symptoms

Healthcare professionals say one of the biggest challenges is that early TB symptoms are frequently overlooked.

Dis-Chem clinical risk executive Jessica Hamuy Blanco said TB is widely misunderstood despite its prevalence.

“TB is both preventable and curable, yet it continues to spread,” she said.

“A persistent cough that lasts more than two weeks is one of the key symptoms, along with unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, or a low-grade fever.”

She warned that these symptoms are often mistaken for less serious illnesses, leading people to delay seeking medical care.

Delays fuel transmission

Experts say delayed diagnosis not only worsens outcomes for patients but also increases the risk of spreading TB to others

TB can remain inactive in the body and become active when the immune system is weakened, often in people living with HIV.

Overcrowding, limited access to healthcare, and stigma also contribute to ongoing transmission.

Early detection, however, can significantly improve outcomes.

“Early detection changes everything,” Blanco said.

Treatment must be completed

Health professionals are also raising concerns about patients not completing their full course of TB treatment.

Incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is far more difficult to treat.

Patients are typically required to take medication for several months, even if symptoms improve early on.

Western Cape under pressure

In South Africa, TB remains a serious concern.

Health authorities are conducting tens of thousands of tests monthly, with high infection rates particularly in low-income communities.

Children are also at risk, with high incidence rates reported among those aged zero to four years.

Early testing protects lives

Doctors are urging people not to self-diagnose persistent symptoms.

A cough lasting more than a week, especially when combined with other symptoms, should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Early testing not only improves recovery chances but also reduces the risk of infecting others.

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— TB still kills thousands in South Africa each year

— Progress is too slow in tackling the TB and HIV crisis