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Chinhoyi Bureau
TWENTY-FIVE cases of multi-drug resistant TB cases have been reported in Mashonaland West and two people have died so far.
Most of the cases have been reported in Hurungwe district and preliminary investigations show that the cases are a result of people defaulting on their treatment.
The patients are receiving treatment from home due to lack of isolation facilities.
Provincial Medical Director Dr Wenceslus Nyamayaro confirmed the TB cases.
“We have 25 cases of multi-drug resistant TB which we are treating at the moment.
“The cases are spread throughout the province but of that number, 14 were reported in Hurungwe,” he said.
“People who go out of the country for long periods are mostly defaulting on treatment and will have to be put on second line treatment.”
Head of Aids and TB Unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Owen Mugurungi said TB is not infectious once treatment is commenced. Dr Mugurungi said patients on TB treatment are only institutionalised during the first days to monitor adherence to treatment.
“As long as there is proper ventilation in their homes, they can be treated from their homes,” he said.
Cases are mostly being detected in farming compounds and overcrowded high density areas.
In a bid to counter defaults, he said health personnel are doing home visits to administer drugs and monitor patients.
Online Reporter