130 Annual Tuberculosis Cases Recorded As Hospital Admissions Reach 104 Patients

Health authorities in Mauritius are intensifying screening efforts as tuberculosis (TB) continues to be the leading cause of admission to the island’s respiratory wards, with approximately 130 new cases recorded annually.

While the clinical situation has remained stable over the last five years, official 2024 health statistics reveal that pulmonary TB was the most frequent pathology at the Poudre-d’Or chest hospital.

Of the 378 patients admitted to the specialised facility last year, 104 were treated for the condition—surpassing both asthma and bronchiectasis.

Dr Rajiv Kumar, consultant in charge of respiratory diseases at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that a national control programme is in place to maintain rigorous surveillance.

“The situation has been stable for the past five years,” Dr Kumar stated, noting that the island’s incidence rate of 12 cases per 100,000 inhabitants remains significantly lower than the global average.

Heightened Vigilance for Vulnerable Group

Health officials are focusing resources on “at-risk” profiles, specifically those aged between 20 and 60.

Factors such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and heavy tobacco or alcohol use are cited as primary drivers for complications.

Authorities have also ramped up screening among the growing foreign workforce, a demographic identified as an additional risk factor.

Dr Kumar assured that “all measures have been taken” to ensure effective monitoring of this group.

Detection and Treatment

The contagious disease is transmitted through airborne droplets, though Dr Kumar clarified that prolonged exposure is usually required for infection, unlike the rapid spread of the flu. Early warning signs include:

• A persistent cough (dry or phlegm-heavy) lasting over two weeks
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Night sweats and late-afternoon fever

Diagnosis is confirmed via X-rays and sputum analysis. Once a case is identified, a dedicated team at the Port-Louis Chest Clinic initiates systematic contact tracing at workplaces or schools.

The Path to Recovery

Patients testing positive are admitted to Poudre-d’Or hospital until they test negative.

Treatment typically involves a six-month course of antibiotics.

“If the treatment is followed rigorously, the person can be completely cured,” Dr Kumar said.

However, he warned that negligence can be fatal, particularly for those with underlying conditions.

In 2024, the Poudre-d’Or facility recorded 21 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 5.6%.

Prevention remains rooted in the BCG vaccine, administered to infants at one month old.

While it provides protection against severe forms of TB in children for roughly 15 years, health officials stress that early screening remains the essential lever for prevention in adulthood.

Source: Defi Media