Hunter New England Health to screen for TB in Narrabri

Hunter New England Health doctors will be screening a small number of people in Narrabri who may have come into contact with a woman recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). 

Hunter New England Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said the woman has started antibiotic treatment, which is highly effective in curing TB.

Dr Durrheim said there is on average one new TB diagnosis each month within the Hunter New England Health area. This situation has been stable for a number of years.

In 2006 there were a total of 12 TB cases within the Hunter New England Health area and in 2005 there were 14 cases.

“Investigations by Hunter New England Health suggest that the woman acquired the infection overseas,” Dr Durrheim said.

“The woman was employed as a childcare worker, so as a precaution doctors will screen children who may have come into contact with her.”

The screening is standard NSW Health procedure and is done using a skin test which helps determine exposure to TB.

Dr Durrheim said all close contacts at risk of exposure are being contacted by Hunter New England Health.

“If you are not contacted by Hunter New England Health there is no reason to think you may have been exposed,” Dr Durrheim said.

“It is important to emphasise that TB has a low infection rate and is difficult to contract without prolonged contact with an infected person.

“There is minimal risk of transmission and the screening is being conducted as a precaution only.”

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It affects mainly the lungs.

TB spreads through the air through coughing or sneezing.

If people have questions or are concerned they can call the Public Health Unit on (02) 6767 8630.

Contact: Tanya Carlyle

Phone: 4939 2602 during business hours or 0418 463 031 after hours