XDR-TB – no immediate threat to tourists

THE multi-drug resistant strain of tuberculosis (XDR-TB), discovered in KwaZulu-Natal earlier in the year does not pose an immediate risk to tourists, according to Dr Gavin Nettleton of the Sandton Travelclinic. He says: “People are not at a higher risk of contracting TB, despite the strain being drug resistant.” He explains that up to 90% of the South African population actually has TB, but it remains dormant in healthy individuals and only surfaces if the bodies’ defense system is substantially lowered, as in the case of those who are malnourished or HIV-positive. Nettleton advises that any HIV-positive travellers, or those undergoing cancer treatment with lowered immune systems, should get the BCG vaccination to protect them against all strains of TB. “Although the vaccine does not offer 100% protection, it will substantially lower the risk of contracting TB,” he adds. Those who are unsure whether they have received the vaccine can undergo a quick test to diagnose whether they are immune to TB. Tourists should avoid the area around people who are coughing profusely, as this is how XDR-TB spreads. Sue Lewitton (suel@nowmedia.co.za)