Officials Address Reported Tuberculosis Case in Eleuthera

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Health officials say tuberculosis (TB) is not just a local concern, it’s a global reality, and here in The Bahamas, the Ministry of Health & Wellness manages it every day.

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme, explains that chest x‑rays and Mantoux tests can be done at a variety of clinics and hospitals.

She notes the ministry closely monitors TB through its annual report.

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes – Director, the National HIV/AIDS, Infectious Disease Program, MOHW

“The situation that we are currently investigating, while we are doing enhanced screening in Eleuthera. There are tuberculosis suspected cases, positive Mantoux’s, people referred from all islands of the Bahamas and within New Providence on a daily basis. “

“And so we do know that tuberculosis is communicable for those that have active tuberculosis and a significant burden of disease that can spread to other persons…”

National TB Nurse Coordinator, Carla Newton, who oversees the Specialized Screening and Control Unit, says contact tracing is nothing new – it’s done everyday and is ongoing in Eleuthera.

She adds that specialized nurses will soon be sent to assist, reinforce enhanced protocols, and keep testing proactive.

Carla Newton – National TB Nurse Coordinator, TB Surveillance Unit, MOHW

“…A team of us will go on and assist our colleagues as we have already been doing via phone and via emails. To make sure everybody is on the same page in terms on management, who should be identified, who should be screened, and how far do we need to widen our scope based on what is happening on the ground…”

Meanwhile, as those teams reinforce protocols on the ground, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Michael darville says they are aware of information circulating on social media about the public health investigation in North Eleuthera.

He emphasized that officials remain actively engaged and are monitoring the situation closely.

Dr. Michael Darville – Minister, Health and Wellness

“Unfortunately much of the information being shared is inaccurate, its speculative and have the potential to cause unnecessary fear and anxiety…”