By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), in conjunction with the Ministry of Education (MOE), has issued a statement regarding two confirmed cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Belize, including a 16-year-old female student from Edward P. Yorke High School and a 10-year-old student from Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Primary School.
The health department confirmed the diagnoses following laboratory and clinical evaluations. The 16-year-old student received her diagnosis on February 12 and has since begun a course of anti-tuberculosis treatment, with reports indicating she is responding positively to the therapy.
In a related case, the ten-year-old, a family member of the high school student, presented with non-specific symptoms and was evaluated at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Following a thorough clinical assessment, the young student was also diagnosed with tuberculosis and has initiated treatment.
In response to the confirmed cases, the Ministry has activated standard public health protocols, including notifying the affected schools and commencing contact tracing to identify and assess individuals who may have been in close proximity to the confirmed cases. The Ministry is conducting necessary screenings and follow-ups in alignment with national TB guidelines.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection primarily impacting the lungs and can be spread through the air via respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, talks, or sneezes. Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, weight loss, night sweats, fever, fatigue, and weakness.
As the situation is addressed, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of public health safety and urges individuals experiencing persistent symptoms to seek medical evaluation at the nearest health facility. Free screening, diagnostic services, and tuberculosis treatment are available at all public health locations nationwide.
The public is also reminded to maintain good respiratory hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home while ill.
The Cabinet encourages all Belizeans to stay vigilant about their health, partake in regular exercise, and remain informed by accessing resources through healthcare providers or by contacting the Ministry of Health and Wellness via their toll-free number: 0-800-MOH-CARE (0-800-664-2273).
The post Two confirmed tuberculosis cases prompt health alert in Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), in conjunction with the Ministry of Education (MOE), has issued a statement regarding two confirmed cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Belize, including a 16-year-old female student from Edward P. Yorke High School and a 10-year-old student from Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Primary School. The health
The post Two confirmed tuberculosis cases prompt health alert in Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
