Silicosis Tragedy in Panna Mining Community | 09 Oct 2024

Why in News?

The devastating impact of mining continues to claim lives in Panna, with families grappling with silicosis misdiagnosed as tuberculosis.

Key Points

• Silicosis:
  • A fatal lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust, common in mining industries.
  • Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, often mistaken as tuberculosis.
  • Since 2014, five family members have died, suspected from silicosis.
• Tuberculosis (TB):
  • TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae family consisting of about 200 members.
  • Some of Mycobacteria cause diseases like TB and Leprosy in humans and others infect a wide range of animals.
  • In humans, TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other organs (extra-pulmonary TB).
  • TB is a very ancient disease and has been documented to have existed in Egypt as early as 3000 BC. It is a treatable and curable disease.