TB screening at Parc prison
HUNDREDS of prisoners and staff will be screened at HMP Parc after an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB). The number of cases remains at six and the men have responded well to treatment, and pose no ongoing public health risk.
HUNDREDS of prisoners and staff will be screened at HMP Parc after an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB).
The number of cases remains at six and the men diagnosed have responded well to treatment, and pose no ongoing public health risk, said Public Health Wales. The cases all relate to current and former prisoners with no officers currently affected.
Plans are in place to screen about 1,200 prisoners resident in the normal location units of the prison in Bridgend.
In addition, following the first round of screening of those prison officers who had the most contact with cases, screening will be extended to approximately 650 members of prison staff with direct prisoner contact.
This extended screening is in line with national guidance. All screening will take place in early March.
Public Health Wales continues to work closely with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Shared Regulatory Services for Bridgend County Borough Council, HMP Parc and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service in responding to this situation. As part of a routine response to a situation of this nature the incident was classified as an outbreak in January.
Dr Gwen Lowe, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: “We continue to investigate and manage this situation. Initial screening of 75 prison officers who we know had close prolonged contact with potentially infectious cases of TB found that at least 15 had evidence of exposure to the TB germ.
“All are well and preventative treatment is being offered where required. In line with national guidance, screening is therefore being extended to a larger group of prison staff as a precaution. In addition, 1,200 prisoners will also be screened.”
Depending on the results, further rounds of screening may be required in the near future.
TB is an infection usually affecting the lungs, but any part of the body can be affected. Anyone can catch TB by breathing in the bacteria in tiny droplets sneezed or coughed out by someone who has TB in their lungs. But this usually requires prolonged and close contact. The infection can be treated with antibiotics, and a complete cure is possible in most instances.”
The most common symptom of TB in adults is a persistent cough. Other symptoms can include weight loss, a high temperature, and sweating, particularly at night.
■ Anyone who is concerned about their health should speak to their GP or contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.|