SINGAPORE – Residents and workers at Block 2 Jalan Bukit Merah here will have to undergo mandatory screening for tuberculosis after some 170 people tested positive.
The republic’s Health Ministry said in a statement yesterday that the screening will be extended to June 25 to include current and former residents, stall workers, shop owners and employees.
There will also be on-site chest X-ray for those who require more testing.
An earlier screening was held on May 27 to 31.
“The extended screening exercise and further tests will be conducted free of charge. All persons living or working at the block who have not been screened for tuberculosis are required to participate in the extended screening exercise.
“The screening is mandatory under the Infectious Diseases Act. Persons who have been recalled for further tests will also be required to complete these tests.”
The ministry said 574 of the 749 people from the block went for the screening as of Thursday.
“About 30% tested positive for tuberculosis through blood test.”
Those with active tuberculosis disease will be treated while those with latent tuberculosis infection will be given appointments for follow-up at the Tuberculosis Control Unit.
Singapore reported on March 2 that seven tuberculosis cases involving Block 2 residents were diagnosed between February 2021 and March 2022.
“Tuberculosis is endemic in Singapore. Tuberculosis infection is not uncommon in Singaporeans, with the prevalence of tuberculosis infection as high as 29% among those aged 70 to 79 years. Persons with tuberculosis infection do not experience symptoms of tuberculosis and are not infectious,” the ministry said. – The Vibes, June 25, 2022
