Elisha Molefe
Elisha Molefe
The assessment of sporadic cases of TB in the Kgetleng Municipality in North West by the National TB Control Laboratory was flawed, said the provincial health department.
The Rustenburg-based laboratory issued a report earlier this year that the TB infection rate is at an average of 41,5percent in the Kgetleng district and 16percent among health workers.
According to the health department, the laboratory had issued an inaccurate statement.
Acting departmental spokesman Lesiba Molala said that the equipment used at the laboratory was faulty and therefore the figures were inaccurate.
"They declared that 41percent of the population at Kgetleng was positive from TB infection, but this was an erroneous conclusion from the laboratory," said Molala.
Molala said that only one health worker had contacted TB, but she had completed her treatment.
Health MEC Nomonde Rasmeni will embark on an outreach programme starting next week throughout the province, said Molala.
Rasmeni will visit the homes of TB patients to assess their condition and handover medication and food supplements.
Molala said the department had spent R17million on TB drugs and laboratory tests.