PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Health
Department of Public Health
The Ministry of Health wishes to confirm that it is currently investigating a report of a new case of tuberculosis at the Immigration Department. Any exposed co-workers of the case will be screened, and follow-up care provided as necessary.
Surveillance activities for new cases include screening of family members and worksite contacts of the case. The public should be reminded that this is the procedure carried out for all reported cases of tuberculosis and that there is no risk to the public or coworkers from these screening procedures. Should new cases be identified through the screening process, necessary action will be taken immediately to treat and prevent the potential spread of the disease.
Screening procedures include skin testing with readings after 48 – 72 hours. If positive, this is followed by a chest x-ray and other diagnostic laboratory tests.