Health authorities in Madeira have identified four cases of tuberculosis in a residential area in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos. The regional health service, SESARAM, announced the cases in a statement, the newspaper DNOTICIAS reported.
Cases Identified on 3 November in One Residential Area
According to SESARAM, the cases were identified on Tuesday, 3 November. The statement does not say which residential area is affected.
Treatment Success Rate: Portugal currently achieves a ~82% treatment success rate for patients who undergo standard antibiotic therapy.
Two Health Services Isolate the Patients and Investigate
The situation is being followed by the Public Health Unit and the Câmara de Lobos Health Centre. They have put in place prevention and control measures. These include isolating the cases, clinical monitoring of the patients and an epidemiological investigation.
The local health centre has also made rooms available for screening tests and for treating the patients who were identified.
SESARAM Activates Its Contingency Plan After the Câmara de Lobos Cases
At the same time, SESARAM has activated its contingency plan and stepped up its prevention measures. According to the health service, its services are not affected for now:
So far, services are operating normally, with no impact on the care provided to patients.
SESARAM, Madeira's regional health service, in a statement
SESARAM reminded the public that strict compliance with prevention and control measures is essential. It said this is key to limiting the spread of this infectious disease and protecting the health of the whole community.
WHO Says 5 to 10% of Infected People Develop the Disease
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it most often affects the lungs.
It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit. The WHO lists a prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness, tiredness, weight loss, fever and night sweats as common symptoms.
Only about 5 to 10% of people infected with TB eventually develop symptoms and the disease, the WHO says. It also stresses that tuberculosis is preventable and curable.
Source: dnoticias.pt
Source: who.int
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