Tuberculosis screening concludes at Jalan Bukit Merah estate blocks, with two infectious cases found
Based on test results, Health Ministry has determined there is no need for further expansion of screening programme
SINGAPORE —Two infectious cases of tuberculosis (TB) have been identified through the recent mandatory screening at Jalan Bukit Merah. Following the conclusion of the screening exercise, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Thursday (8 February) that out of the 2,548 individuals being screened, two were found to have active TB.
The two individuals with active TB have begun treatment and will no longer be infectious after completing the two weeks of treatment.
Another 322 individuals were diagnosed with latent TB infection. MOH said these cases are neither symptomatic nor contagious, and do not pose a public health risk. They will be offered preventive treatment to reduce the risk of developing active TB disease in the future.
Meanwhile, 66 individuals also require further evaluation, and they have been advised to monitor for symptoms until their test results are out.
TB typically affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body such as the brain, lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, and joints. Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or more, low-grade fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain and coughing up blood or sputum.
Based on these findings, MOH has determined that there is no need for further expansion of the screening programme based on the test results.
Precautionary screening measures in response to local tuberculosis cluster
The screening initiative began on 11 January for residents and workers of Blocks 1 and 3 at Jalan Bukit Merah, ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre, and attendees of the Thong Kheng Seniors Activity Centre@Queenstown located at Block 3 of Jalan Bukit Merah.
This measure was taken as a precaution following the identification of a cluster of cases in the area. Voluntary screening was also offered to frequent visitors of Blocks 1, 2, and 3 of Jalan Bukit Merah and ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre.
Blood tests were administered from 11 to 15 January to identify potential exposure to TB. Subsequently, on-site chest X-ray screening was conducted from 25 to 27 January to evaluate individuals who tested positive on the blood tests.
97.3 per cent of identified individuals tested in mandatory screening
Among those subjected to mandatory screening, 18.4 per cent tested positive on their blood test, indicating the possibility of latent or active TB. "This is higher than the historical positive rate of 12.7 per cent in the general population, but this discrepancy is within expectation due to the TB cases in the area," said MOH.
In contrast, the rate of TB cases detected among voluntary participants was lower than that observed in the general population. The ministry thus concluded that these individuals, as casual visitors to the area and ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre, did not have a higher risk of TB infection.
To date, 97.3 per cent, or 1,701 out of 1,748 individuals identified for mandatory screening, have come forward to be tested. Efforts are ongoing to reach out to the remaining individuals and facilitate their screening at the Tuberculosis Control Unit (TBCU).
Clinic appointments at TBCU have been arranged for those who tested positive on their blood tests or showed abnormal chest X-ray results.
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