Recent Occurrence of a Cluster of Tuberculosis Cases

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Lily Neo
MP for Jalan Besar GRC

Question No. 500

To ask the Minister for Health whether the recent occurrence of a cluster of tuberculosis cases is of alarming concern and whether he can provide an update on the reason for such occurrence.

Written Answer

1        Tuberculosis is usually spread by prolonged close contact with infected persons.  The recent cluster, where a few cases of the same TB strain were discovered among residents of a single housing block, was highly unusual, as the TB Control Unit has so far not been able to uncover where some of the residents concerned could have had close interactions. 

2        As a precautionary measure, MOH worked with grassroots leaders to conduct TB screening for past and current residents of the block.  Two of the residents screened had signs of active TB, are undergoing treatment, and are no longer infectious.  Residents who had latent TB are not infectious, and the vast majority (9 in 10) of them will not develop active TB in their lifetime.  We have advised them on the TB symptoms to look out for, and to report to the TB Control Unit for medical review if they develop such symptoms.

3        Early detection and prompt treatment are essential to ensure effective control of TB infections.