Fiennes Institute Averts TB Outbreak

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What Ails You

Tuesday, 01 May 2012 02:30

By Everton Barnes

Antigua St John's - The Fiennes Institute, a government-run facility for the aged, has averted an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) after a patient was diagnosed with the disease less than a month after he was admitted.

Master of the Fiennes Alton Forde confirmed that a male patient in his 50’s was involved.

“When he first came, he was complaining of feeling unwell, and the first diagnosis was that he had low blood pressure," Forde said. "But after the symptoms continued, he was examined by our doctor, who referred him to Mount St John’s Hospital, where further examination revealed that he had TB."

He said this information precipitated steps to ensure containment of the disease. “All other patients and staff members who had contact with the patient were given a special test to determine exposure and possible infection," Forde said. "These tests determined that several members of staff had been exposed to TB, but that they were not affected."

Forde said the bedding and other items were immediately removed, and the ward was fumigated to kill off any lingering bacteria. He noted that other systems have been put in place to prevent further exposure to patients or staff at the facility.

Tuberculosis is a highly communicable disease that can be spread by an infected person’s cough, which causes the bacteria to become airborne and possibly inhaled.

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