The Department of Health (DOH) is raising the alarm over a significant surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases, particularly in Metro Manila, where over 102,000 cases have been recorded.

In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, DOH Spokesperson Usec. Albert Domingo clarified that while many associate infectious diseases with water or surfaces, TB is strictly airborne.

He noted that the virus is highly infective—even more so than COVID-19 in certain environments—but often flies under the radar because its effects are not as immediate.

Usec. Domingo also shared a striking theory regarding the post-pandemic spike: the very lockdowns meant to stop COVID-19 may have fueled TB transmission.

"Isa nga sa mga teorya, nung tayo ay naka-lockdown nung panahon ng COVID-19, kaya medyo bumugso yung dami ng TB kasi lahat ng tao nasa bahay.

“Parang pag lumabas ka sa bahay noon, naka-face mask ka pero pag natin sa bahay, tanggalan ang face mask. Yun pala hindi COVID yung kalaban doon sa loob ng bahay, kundi tuberculosis," Domingo warned.

Challenges in Treatment

A major hurdle in eradicating TB remains the grueling treatment process. Standard recovery requires a strict six-month regimen of large tablets.

The DOH highlighted the following symptoms to watch for:

• A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Low-grade fever, particularly in the late afternoon or night.

• Chronic fatigue.

Free Treatment and Modern Screening

Despite the daunting nature of the disease, the DOH reassured the public that TB is 100% curable and treatment is free.

"Meron tayong national TB program, tuberculosis program na ang lahat po ng gamot sa tuberculosis ay bayad sagot ng PhilHealth. Ibig sabihin, libre po. Libre sa atin. Ang importante dito ay tayo ay malaman kung meron tayong tuberculosis o hindi," Domingo said.

He also noted that screening has evolved. While sputum exams were once the only way, health centers now use X-rays and Rapid Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (GeneExpert)—the same PCR technology used for COVID-19—to detect TB using simple saliva samples.

“Hindi ho namimili at hindi dapat iniisip na sakit ‘to [tuberculosis] ng mahirap. Mahalaga na pag meron tayong sintomas o may tanong, kumonsulta tayo,” Domingo advised.

Addressing common fears, Domingo clarified that TB is not spread through shared utensils or plates.

"Hindi siya nakukuha sa kubyerto, hindi siya nakukuha sa hawak dun sa pader. Ang lipatan niya is sa hangin," he said.

He added that once a patient has been on medication for one to two weeks, they are generally no longer contagious.

The DOH urges anyone experiencing symptoms to visit their local health center immediately, emphasizing that TB "does not discriminate" between the rich and the poor.