Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB Cases, at Crystal High School in Hanover Park

Of the four learners with MDR TB, that were admitted to hospital, one has been discharged, following sputum conversion (that is the MDR TB bacteria is no longer present in the sputum, and is thus not infective to others), in a satisfactory condition, to continue treatment from home. She is back at the school. The three that are still in hospital are in a stable condition.

The adult case of MDR TB is still in hospital and in a stable condition. A second adult case of MDR TB has since been identified from the community and has also been admitted to hospital.

Most of the household contacts of all six cases have been screened and thus far no further adult MDT or ordinary TB has been detected, with some still awaiting results. A paediatrician specializing in MDR TB has reviewed all the children contacts in the households. None of them has been diagnosed as having MDR TB.

General TB awareness and education has been offered to all learners at Crystal High School. Out of ±1200 learners at the school, 370 reported symptoms that may be suggestive of TB, and were screened by sputum laboratory testing. Of these, three have been diagnosed with TB. All three will be started on treatment for ordinary TB. Further tests to establish if it is ordinary TB or MDR TB are awaited. Additional learners with test results that were inconclusive will have further confirmatory tests. We are awaiting these results.

The Department of Health is appealing to anyone coughing for more than 2 weeks to present themselves to their nearest health clinic to be tested for TB. TB and MDR TB are treatable and curable. All TB patients are encouraged to complete their treatment.

Issued by:
Communications Directorate of the Western Cape
Department of Health
Enquiries: Faiza Steyn
Director Communications
Tel: +27 21 483 3235
Mobile: 076 333 7185