Context:
The Threat of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis is rising rapidly among the Assam’s Tea Workers.
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a life threatening fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. It’s a progressive disease that can affect people with healthy immune systems. CPA is often found in people with other lung conditions, such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or cystic fibrosis. It predominantly affects individuals with immunodeficiency such as tuberculosis (TB) survivors.
- High Prevalence in Assam Tea Gardens
- Tea garden workers in Assam have been particularly affected with a prevalence rate of 217 per 100000 population based on the National TB Prevalence Survey 2019-2021.
- High risk factors were identified as poverty, poor nutrition, exposure to kitchen smoke and proximity to other family members suffering from this disease.
Recommendations and Awareness Campaigns
- Training Healthcare Providers
- The researchers urged training for healthcare workers to recognize the symptoms of CPA so early diagnosis can improve more in tea garden and TB hospitals.
- Education Campaigns
- Education of workers about respiratory health nutrition and hygiene should be emphasized to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.
- Nutrition and Health Risks
- The report also mentioned a two year old epidemic dropsy report due to the toxic Argemone mexicana poppy that contaminates edible oils It adds to the health risks in Assam.
