TB screening after case confirmed
SCREENINGS have taken place after the confirmation of a TB case linked to a pub.
Public Health Wales worked with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to screen close contacts identified following the confirmation of one case of active tuberculosis (TB) in an individual associated with the Welcome Inn in Tonypandy.
Investigations have identified a number of close contacts of the individual, and these people were invited for screening.
The risk to the general public is low, and no outbreak has been declared, said public health officials.
There is nothing to suggest that the person contracted TB at the pub, rather it is thought that they have attended the pub when they unknowingly had the infection.
As a precaution around 70 close contacts have been offered testing.
Elizabeth Marchant, locum consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: “TB is difficult to transmit. It requires close and prolonged contact with an infectious individual, such as living in the same household, for a person to become infected. I would stress that the risk of infection with TB to the general public remains very low.
“The screening being carried out in Tonypandy is a routine part of established infection control procedures.
“To facilitate the screening process, it will be carried out at the Welcome Inn. I would like to thank the Welcome Inn for their help in this.
“If any other positive TB infections are identified as a result, appropriate treatment will be offered.
“TB is curable with a full course of treatment.”
The testing took place on Friday and the results were not complete as we went to print.