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17 March 2006: No 18/06

HEALTH PROMOTION CAMPAIGN IN THE ARMSCOR BUILDING

During December 2005, ten cases of tuberculosis (TB) were discovered during a routine environmental and health promotion campaign in the Armscor building.

Once the problem was identified, the SAMHS immediately set out to tackle the problem.

As of now, the affected individuals are receiving the appropriate treatment. The patients on treatment for TB cannot transmit the infection whilst on medication. The patients have returned to work without any risk to fellow employees or family members.

Since then, personnel in the Armscor building have been screened to determine if there are any more infections.

The test used is called the Mantoux skin test and 743 Defence Act Personnel (DAP), Public Service Act Personnel (PSAP) and other contract workers participated in phase 1 testing.

Personnel with positive results were referred for chest X-rays (CXR). In cases where CXR was positive, these patients were further screened by means of sputum microbiology.

Any other personnel that may be diagnosed with TB will immediately be counselled and put on appropriate treatment.

On 20 March 2006, TB retesting will commence and will last until 3 April 2006.

The members who tested positive for TB exposure and were referred to 1 Military Hospital for X-rays during the first cycle are not included in phase 2 retesting.

The following members are included in phase 2 retesting:

• All members who tested negative during phase 1.
• All members who were tested during phase 1 and did not attend the session with the doctor to receive results.
• All members who were not tested during phase 1.

Any enquiries in this regard may be forwarded to Maj H.V. Jordan, tel, (012) 355-5506.