GHS allays fears of XDR-TB outbreak

The Ghana Health Service has assured the public of containing a further spread of the Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.

According to Health Service, measures are being put in place to put the situation under control.

Ghana has recorded the first case of Extensively Drug-Resistance Tuberculosis(XDR-TB).

One person has been confirmed dead from the XDR-TB.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is a form of tuberculosis caused by bacteria that are resistant to some of the most effective anti-TB drugs. XDR-TB strains have arisen after the mismanagement of individuals with multi drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

Manager of the TB Control Programme, at the GHS, Dr. Frank Bonsu has indicated there is no cause for alarm because health officials have done intensive household cleaning around the victim’s residence and his contacts.

He added:” As long as we continue to have a strong National TB Control Programme, where we are able to identify TB cases early and ensure that they are cured, we don’t anticipate problems.”