A case of tuberculosis was identified at the University of Martinique Hospital Centre. The patient is a staff member. The patients he had been in contact with were summoned to ensure they were not infected. This rare disease can be fatal.
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The identity of the infected person was not revealed. This is a member of staff who works in one of the departments at Pierre Zubda-Quetman Hospital. According to our information, his health condition does not raise any concerns at the present time.
This case was discovered on August 19, 2023. After 10 days, examinations were carried out in the entire department and dozens of patients who consulted this specialist underwent a targeted recall. The goal is to prevent the spread of the disease.
The alert has been activated. When someone is diagnosed with TB, we will screen everyone they have been in close contact with to make sure they do not have TB.
Professor André Capelle, Head of the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the University Hospital of Martinique
Tuberculosis is a disease linked to a bacteria called Koch’s bacillus, which can cause very serious lung infections. It can be dangerous if diagnosed late.
It is an infection found all over the world. It is quite special because there is a fairly long delay between the moment of infection, most often via the respiratory tract, and the moment the disease appears. This can take several months, even several years, and sometimes even several decades later.
Tuberculosis affects 10 cases each year in Martinique and up to 4,600 people throughout France.
