with the new tuberculosis (TB) strain
13 September 2006
The Gauteng Department of Health has learnt about the deadly strain of
tuberculosis that has been isolated in one patient at the Sizwe Tropical
Diseases Hospital. The details of the case are as follows:
1. The patient has been under the care of the Sizwe hospital for multi-drug
resistant (MDR) TB and treated according to the standard period of in-patient
management.
2. The patient came for routine follow-up care in March 2006 and was found to
be clinically very ill and was re-admitted. Further culture and sensitivity
tests were carried out to determine the type of organism.
3. On return for the routine clinic follow-up care, the results were available.
The patient was fully informed of the seriousness of the results of the culture
test that was performed and that re-admission was necessary. However, despite
all efforts, the patient refused any further hospital admission and left for
home.
4. In view of the serious public health implications, urgent steps have been
taken to contain the situation. While we recognise the rights of any patient to
refuse hospital treatment, where there is a serious risk to public health, the
Department has evoked Section seven of the National Health Act, No. 66 of 2003
and Section 38 of the Constitution, which limits the individual's rights in
order to protect the public.
The Department fully recognises its responsibility and duty to protect the
patient, the immediate family, the public at large and will carry out any
necessary intervention to ensure that the situation is contained.
Enquiries: Zanele Zungu
Tel: (011) 355 3515 /3503
Cell: 082 334 9820
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
13 September 2006
