TB in Australia

THE killer disease tuberculosis, not seen in Australia for decades, has been reintroduced by migrants - largely refugees from Africa.
TB, which like the common cold is spread through the air, is on the increase in Victoria.
There were 352 cases of tuberculosis reported to the Department of Human Services in 2005 - a 7 per cent increase on the 2004 figure.
And a 26 per cent increase on 2002 figures.
The numbers have remained high with 353 cases last year.
And already there have been 89 cases in the first quarter of this year.
Much of the increase has been attributed to newly arrived refugees.
Africa has the highest incidence and mortality rate from tuberculosis in the world.
"As the geographic focus of Australia's humanitarian programs have changed in recent years, an increase in the number of notified tuberculosis cases have been observed," a report from the Public Health Branch on surveillance of infectious diseases stated.
"The most significant risk factor for tuberculosis in Victoria is having migrated from a high prevalence country.
"Health care workers should be aware of the increased risk of tuberculosis in newly arrived refugees and migrants and of the cultural issues that influence their health seeking behaviour."
Most notified cases, 93 per cent, were residents of metropolitan Melbourne mostly in the north and west.
And the highest number of cases were reported for the 20 to 30 year age group.
All refugees have health check screenings on entry to Australia.
Individuals who are suspected of tuberculosis sign a health undertaking (TBU) for follow-up screening. But a study found the numbers going for follow-up screening was low with fewer than half completing their TBU assessment.
It is estimated 1.6 million deaths resulted from TB in 2005 worldwide.

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