SUSPECTED OUTBREAK OF TUBERCULOSIS AT HER MAJESTY'S PRISONS  

A British national who is reportedly on remand at the Richmond Hill prison is hospitalised at the General Hospital in St. George's from what health officials believe could be a case of Tuberculosis.

Newly appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Satnarine Maharaj of Trinidad and Tobago confirmed the suspected case on Monday in reaction to a question posed by a reporter from GRENADA TODAY at a press conference.

The inmate who entered the island last year was sent to prison on remand in connection with a criminal offence matter after he was arrested by local police. Dr. Maharaj told reporters that the Ministry was  alerted to the fact that there is likely to be a case of Tuberculosis at the prison.  He said that Epidemiologist, Dr. Alister Antoine was given responsibility to look into the matter.

Dr. Maharaj pointed out that although he has not received a final report on the issue the  preliminary evidence strongly suggested that there could be a case of tuberculosis at the prison.

"We have put in place measures to ensure that if this is so we would reduce the likelihood of (the disease) affecting our local population", he told reporters.

According to Dr. Maharaj, investigations are ongoing into the matter and the Ministry of Health is fully aware of the situation and has  taken the necessary steps to protect the prison population and reduce its spread. However, the CMO admitted that the case is a cause for concern since anything that has the potential to turn into an epidemic must be treated seriously.

The Trinidad national also indicated that there had been no reported cases on the disease in the island in recent times and that this one is seen as an exception. He said one of the conditions that leads to people identifying the disease is chronic coughing and weight loss.

Dr. Maharaj stressed that in past years, the treatment for affected persons was isolation but now the is on public education to let people know what puts them at risk and the kind of support that is available. In addition, he said that a person who is affected can be treated as an out-patient and monitored.

The medical doctor indicated that health officials were of the view that the disease was something of the past but added that with the advent of HIV/AIDS they have noticed a resurgence of the disease.

Tuberculosis is an infected disease affecting humans and animals that is caused by the tubercle bacillus and which are characterized by the formation of tubercles.