The Ministry of Health today announced that it has plans to increase surveillance and screening for tuberculosis in the broader Turks and Caicos (TCI) Community, including among vulnerable groups and institutions. Over the years, there have been reported cases of tuberculosis in the TCI. The majority of these cases had occurred during an outbreak in 1998, when 27 new cases had been recorded. In subsequent years, new reported cases were less than five per year. However, between 2010 and the present, nine new cases, including some imported cases, have been reported.
Even though tuberculosis is found throughout the world, in developed and developing countries, including some of our neighbours, this current situation is of growing concern to the TCI Ministry of Health. As part of the routine public health response and follow-up to tuberculosis, the Ministry has already embarked upon a preventive screening exercise in order to protect the health and wellbeing of the people and visitors to the TCI.
Investigations into the nine current cases are, however, continuing, and the Ministry of Health is assuring the public that there is no cause for panic or undue worry.
The Ministry of Health has begun to strengthen the implementation of existing tuberculosis prevention and control measures. The National Communicable Disease Surveillance Committee continues to monitor and evaluate the situation. Additional measures will be put in place, as necessary, to address this important public health problem.
To this end, the Ministry of Health is also seeking the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization to implement a comprehensive tuberculosis awareness, prevention, and control campaign in the TCI. This campaign will focus on public education and screening for tuberculosis in the wider TCI community, especially in vulnerable communities/groups. The observance of World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March 2011 will provide a timely opportunity to highlight and respond to the issue of tuberculosis in our community.
The tuberculosis bacteria (germs) are released into the air when a person with active tuberculosis disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these germs and become infected. The public is advised to incorporate the following universal precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory infections like tuberculosis:
. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;
. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub;
. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs spread this way; and
. If you have a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer seek immediate medical attention.
The Ministry of Health wishes to assure the public that all measures are being taken to protect the health and well being of the people of the TCI. Additional information, including bulletins and public service announcements about tuberculosis will be made available in the near future. In the meantime, persons with questions and concerns may contact their local primary care clinic or health care provider.
