Tuberculosis risk said to be 'low'

HEALTH officials have stressed the risk of anyone contracting tuberculosis from an infected healthcare worker is "low".

Officials were keen to allay public fears after it was reported a doctor at Craigavon Area Hospital may have the illness.

Officials would only say a female healthcare worker, who is believed to be from outside Northern Ireland, had stopped work immediately after becoming aware of the symptoms.

The case has led to a massive review of patient records at the hospital in a bid to establish who are at risk of contracting the disease from the medic.

However, health agencies have stressed that the risk to the public is “low”.

Michael Devine,of the Public Health Agency, said: “We are aware of the situation which involves a suspected case of TB in a healthcare worker. The risk of transmission of the disease is low. We are working with the Southern Trust to ensure that national guidance on these incidents, including a review of contacts, is followed."

Mr Devine added: “TB is a difficult infection to catch. Our approach will be to identify those patients with the most prolonged, closest contact with the health care worker. Screening will also be offered to those with impaired immunity who were in contact.

“It’s like the ‘stone in the pond’ analogy. TB has a ripple effect and affects those closest. It isn’t easily transmitted. It’s not like measles or chickenpox. Having said that, it’s our role to act responsibly, advise the trust and coordinate screening.

Dr Gillian Rankin of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: ““We will be in touch with any patients who may have been directly affected but are confident that only a small number of patients may need to be contacted.”

She added: ““The review process is likely to take four weeks, but in the meantime if patients feel unwell with chest illness, they should contact their GP.”

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