Singapore-Approximately 30% of 2 Jalan Bukit Merah’s 574 residents and workers who underwent a voluntary test in late May tested positive for tuberculosis.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release on Friday (June 24) that further tests will be done for those who test positive to determine whether they have tuberculosis infection or active tuberculosis.
“Patients with active tuberculosis will be treated, patients with latent tuberculosis infection will be given follow-up appointments at the Tuberculosis Control Unit, and treatment will be provided where appropriate,” MOH said in a statement.
The ministry has also detected another case that is “genetically related by whole genome sequencing,” and contact investigations are underway.
MOH announced to current and former residents, stalls, shopkeepers, and employees of the block last month as a precautionary measure after seven people were diagnosed with tuberculosis between February 2021 and March this year. Provided a test.
In a statement last month, MOH suggested that April genetic analysis revealed similar genetic makeup in the first seven cases, suggesting that cases are associated with at least one common source. Said that.
There are still 175 people in the block that have not yet been screened. MOH will extend tuberculosis screening for people in the area until Saturday. Screening is possible from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
The Infectious Diseases Control Law requires screening, and those recalled for further testing must also complete these tests. Extended screening and further testing are free.
MOH said staff at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases visited unanswered units and urged previously unscreened residents to be screened.
According to MOH, symptoms of tuberculosis include persistent cough, low-grade fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and chest pain that last for more than 3 weeks.
MOH said on Friday:
“Therefore, those who are contacted and screened after the detection of a tuberculosis patient usually consist of family members, close colleagues at work, and acquaintances of general social activities with close and regular interactions.”
The screening station is located at the Queenstown HockSan Zone Residents’ Committee Center in Block 3 Jalan Bukit Merah.
According to MOH, those who are unable to participate in the screening during these two days will be able to be tested at the designated Sata CommHealth Potong Pasir Medical Center by August 5.
