Two more test positive for TB

Two more workers at the Ministry of Health’s head office at Park and Edward Streets have tested positive for Tuberculosis in Mantoux skin tests. One of them was referred to Caura Hospital for treatment with antibiotics. The panic among workers caused the supply of vaccines to run out Monday, despite attempts by the ministry to reassure workers that all “all necessary measures were being taken to curtail and prevent the spread of the disease,” and appropriate diagnostic treatment and care facilities for persons with TB was readily available and accessible. A health worker told Newsday yesterday that a male and a female employee had tested positive, and workers were “running scared.” He said there was a long line of workers for testing on the second floor of the building where the first case was detected.

Newsday learnt that the vaccine used for testing ran out around lunch time, before all of the workers on the second floor could be tested. A source said the ministry was awaiting another batch of vaccines. He said workers were totally aware of the difference between having a positive TB test and actually being confirmed as having active TB, which is spread via droplets from coughing or sneezing. However, they were still fearful for their health. On Friday, the ministry issued a release via the office of the Permanent Secretary outlining the detection of the first case and the action taken. The first active TB case was detected on December 8 and is warded at Caura. Three other cases were detected last week.

One of them had a lung condition prior to being tested for TB and was immediately referred to Caura. Testing of their home and work contacts was started. Dr Michelle Trotman, specialist medical officer at the Thoracic Department of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, was at the ministry last week speaking to workers and answering questions about TB. The disease is caused by the mycobacterium tuberculosis which commonly affects the lungs, but can also affect the central nervous system and circulatory system.