THE uThungulu district health manager has allayed fears of an outbreak of the highly contagious multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) strain in the area.
Mfowethu Zungu said the few cases that had been identified had been properly managed. This follows reports suggesting that a further 11 cases of MDR TB had been reported in uMlalazi, nine in Ntambanana and five in Nkandla.
The uThungulu district has a population of about 972856, comprises six local authorities and has two regional hospitals, six district hospitals, 57 clinics, 14 mobile clinics and 66 mobile stopping points.
Though Zungu admitted the region was burdened with a high number of other preventable diseases, he denied that there was an outbreak of MDR TB.
"The number of TB-MDR TB cases identified during our health campaign is managed appropriately. Those who require urgent admission are admitted immediately to appropriate health facilities within and outside the district," he said.
Zungu said after noting the high number of diseases in the area, especially curable and preventable diseases, they initiated a campaign for early diagnosis of TB and other health problems.
He said the campaign was also geared at helping people start treatment as early as possible.
The campaign was also aimed at identifying other health problems like hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, cervical cancer, complications during pregnancy and eye problems.
Zungu pleaded with all people taking TB medication to complete their treatment without fail.
In order to reduce the high number of child and maternal deaths in the district Zungu called on all mothers and mothers-to-be to consult health practitioners within 14 weeks after missing their menstruation, attend ante-natal clinics and regularly immunise children under five years old.
No fear of TB outbreak
THE uThungulu district health manager has allayed fears of an outbreak of the highly contagious multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) strain in the area.
Mfowethu Zungu said the few cases that had been identified had been properly managed. This follows reports suggesting that a further 11 cases of MDR TB had been reported in uMlalazi, nine in Ntambanana and five in Nkandla.
The uThungulu district has a population of about 972856, comprises six local authorities and has two regional hospitals, six district hospitals, 57 clinics, 14 mobile clinics and 66 mobile stopping points.
Though Zungu admitted the region was burdened with a high number of other preventable diseases, he denied that there was an outbreak of MDR TB.
"The number of TB-MDR TB cases identified during our health campaign is managed appropriately. Those who require urgent admission are admitted immediately to appropriate health facilities within and outside the district," he said.
Zungu said after noting the high number of diseases in the area, especially curable and preventable diseases, they initiated a campaign for early diagnosis of TB and other health problems.
He said the campaign was also geared at helping people start treatment as early as possible.
The campaign was also aimed at identifying other health problems like hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, cervical cancer, complications during pregnancy and eye problems.
Zungu pleaded with all people taking TB medication to complete their treatment without fail.
In order to reduce the high number of child and maternal deaths in the district Zungu called on all mothers and mothers-to-be to consult health practitioners within 14 weeks after missing their menstruation, attend ante-natal clinics and regularly immunise children under five years old.
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