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Measures taken to tackle TB cases in Tsuen Wan kindergarten
The following is issued in response to press enquiries on TB contact screening conducted in a Tsuen Wan kindergarten:
A number of measures including contact screening had been taken by the Department of Health (DH) upon notification of two tuberculosis (TB) cases in a Tsuen Wan kindergarten.
Parents of the kindergarten were asked to take advantage of these measures to provide the best care and protection possible for their kids.
Consultant Chest Physician i/c of the Department, Dr Tam Cheuk-ming said today (Thursday) that treatment available now for most TB cases are highly effective. The most important thing is for those with symptoms suspicious of TB to come forward for examination and treatment.
"The most effective way of controlling TB is by noting symptoms which are suspicious of TB, like cough over three to four weeks, blood in sputum, loss of weight, fever, and night sweating," he said.
"Anyone who has such symptoms should seek medical advice early."
Dr Tam noted that in the past two and a half months, four TB cases had occurred in a Tsuen Wan kindergarten.
The notification of the first two cases, one involving a student and the other a staff, were received by DH in late January and early February.
Upon notification, the Department started public health measures including contact screening for staff and students.
In the meantime, notification of a third case involving another student was received.
The contact screening and examinations conducted also uncovered a fourth TB case involving a student. Dr Tam stressed that all four cases identified were not the infectious type of tuberculosis.
Appropriate treatment had been given to the four patients immediately upon diagnosis and all were making satisfactory progress.