TB screening for healthcare patients in southern area

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today contacting around 270 people who have been in contact with a healthcare worker in the southern area recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).

Most of those contacted will receive information and approximately 40 will be offered TB screening in line with standard practice.

Dr Michael Devine, Consultant in Public Health, PHA, stressed: “The risk to patients is low and people are being contacted as a precautionary measure. TB is a difficult infection to catch. It is caused by a germ and most commonly affects the lungs. It is usually spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes.”

There are around 70 cases of TB in Northern Ireland each year and most patients make a full recovery.

A factsheet on TB is available on the website of the Health Protection Agency at www.hpa.org.uk

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For further information contact

Public Health Agency Press Office on 028 9031 1611 or out of hours on 077929 47733

Notes to Editors:-

1. The PHA was established in April 2010 with the role of health protection, health improvement and improving health and wellbeing.