People across the Northern Rivers are reminded to be aware of the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis (TB). North Coast Population and Public Health Unit Director Dr Valerie Delpech said TB is a bacterial infection which, despite being curable, remains a destructive epidemic in much of the world.
‘While Australia is considered a low incidence TB country, there is no room for complacency,’ Dr Delpech said. ‘TB is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases which, despite being preventable, kills more than 1.3 million people each year across the globe.
‘The good news is TB can be successfully treated with the correct antibiotics and supported care.
‘Our North Coast Tuberculosis Service provides a range of TB-related services including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and public health management across both the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW local health districts.’
There were 18 people diagnosed with TB across the North Coast in 2025, most of these people were born or lived overseas in countries where the incidence of TB is high.
World TB Day aims to raise public awareness about the impacts of tuberculosis to step up efforts to end the global epidemic. This year’s continuing theme is: ‘Yes! We can end TB! Led by countries. Powered by people.’
What to watch out for
TB can attack any part of the body, but the lungs are the most common site. People with TB may have the following symptoms:
- A cough that lasts for more than two weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Fevers, chills or night sweats
- Losing weight quickly
- Always feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Lumps or swelling or pain.
People who develop symptoms of TB should seek medical attention as early diagnosis and treatment prevents others from becoming infected.
Mid North Coast and Northern NSW local health districts say they remain committed to raising TB awareness in the community.
Both participate in the NSW TB program which provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary service for the prevention, screening and treatment of TB in NSW.
The North Coast Tuberculosis Service provides:
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnostic services
- Medical and nursing consultations for all aspects of prevention and control
- Treatment of TB infection and TB disease
- Occupational TB screening
- Immigration TB screening and assessment
- TB contact screening
- BCG vaccination
- Education for parents, community and health care workers.
Free public health TB clinics run by TB specialist nurses and doctors are run monthly in Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Tweed Heads. The service can be accessed via a GP or by contacting the TB Service on 02 6656 7855.
Vaccination is available for people who have a higher risk of TB exposure; particularly children under five who are travelling overseas for longer than four weeks to high TB incidence countries.
To find out more, visit North Coast Tuberculosis Service or NSW Health’s Tuberculosis page.
