ANALYSIS OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION ON TUBERCULOSIS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE TERNOPIL REGION OF UKRAINE

Abstract

Abstract. The article analyzes the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis during the COVID- 19 pandemic in the Ternopil region of Ukraine. In the Ternopil region, the incidence of tuberculosis has almost halved in the last two years. Thus, in 2019, 362 cases of the disease were registered, and in 2020 - 190. Also in 2020 there were fewer cases of recurrence of tuberculosis - 34, and in 2019 there were 80. People with tuberculosis do not seek medical help in a timely manner. The low incidence rates are due to the low level of primary care of patients, the difficult epidemic situation for COVID-19. Despite the fact that the number of patients has decreased significantly, the cases that have been detected are becoming much more severe. The number of patients with destructive and bacillary forms of tuberculosis has increased. Patients admitted in 2020 were in a much worse condition than in 2019 - with severe intoxication, fever. The disease was in its advanced stages. Only with the joint efforts of doctors of various profiles, with the appropriate support of state and public organizations, it is possible to stabilize the situation with tuberculosis in Ternopil region and Ukraine.