The Tribune

By SANCHESKA DORSETT

Tribune Staff Reporter

sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Health in collaboration with health workers will be conducting screening for tuberculosis (TB) in Eleuthera and Exuma, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands announced yesterday.

Addressing parliamentarians, Dr Sands said The Bahamas ranks in the lowest third of countries with TB and in 2016 there were still fewer than 10 patients who were diagnosed with the disease.

He said the screening for TB will begin in Eleuthera because from 2012, the Ministry of Health's Surveillance Unit has documented a gradual increase in cases on the island.

TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. It is an infectious disease that generally affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. Most infections do not have symptoms.

If left untreated when it becomes active, the disease kills about half of those infected, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"For this year our public health team has successfully treated two cases in Eleuthera and all contacts have been evaluated. We are aware of approximately 100 other individuals that require testing," he said.

"For the next two weeks our team in collaboration with health workers from Eleuthera heath services will be conducting screening and chest x-rays throughout the community. When they complete the surveillance and screening in Eleuthera, they will move to Exuma where our public health activity also needs to be strengthened... We will find all the cases who have the disease and will provide the needed treatment."

Dr Sands said the ministry's surveillance team will also be recommending updated TB screening protocols for all new admissions to the prison and Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

In October, it was reported a security guard on Paradise Island contracted TB and four others were exposed to the disease. At the time Dr Sands insisted there was no cause for widespread public alarm.

He explained people are diagnosed with the disease regularly and this country follows strict guidelines when addressing health concerns related to it.

Dr Sands' statement came as some staff working on Paradise Island expressed concerns health officials didn't respond with adequate urgency after the initial case was diagnosed.