13 confirmed cases of tuberculosis in APY Lands, including one death

There are now 13 confirmed cases of tuberculosis in the APY Lands, including one death, as high-ranking health figures rush to the area.

More than 700 people have now been screened as part of the state government’s efforts to fight a tuberculosis outbreak in the APY Lands that has claimed one life among 13 confirmed cases.

SA Health is working with the Aṉangu community to deal with the outbreak on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.

The TB outbreak was declared in March, after 10 cases were diagnosed. Genome sequencing analyses from SA TB Services has confirmed 13 cases are linked to this outbreak.

This includes 11 current active cases, one historical case and one death.

Ongoing community-wide screening has focused on those most at-risk including close contacts and schoolchildren.

More than 700 people have been screened as part of a $1.9m package which includes tailored community engagement and education and upskilling health practitioners who may not have seen cases of tuberculosis in their practice.

Health Minister Chris Picton visited the APY Lands this week to see first-hand the impact of some of the work.

Health Minister Chris Picton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“Tuberculosis is preventable and curable and we are committed to doing all we can to stop this cluster from growing,” he said. “We are promoting awareness and facilitating quick testing and treatment.

“Our response is built on strong relationships with the APY Lands Anangu Community and service providers and valuing local expertise through employing local people to deliver care and engagement.”

The Aboriginal Public Health team from the Department for Health and Wellbeing, SA TB Services, SA Pathology and South Australia Medical Imaging are working with the Nganampa Health Council and community leaders to co-ordinate testing, screening, contact tracing and treatment for those who need it.

Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier joined the deployment team for the August visit, meeting with health services, elders and community leaders and assisting with screening.

Professor Nicola Spurrier. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“Our response is aligned with the national strategy to eliminate tuberculosis transmission in Australia,” Prof Spurrier said. “Unlike some other diseases, active tuberculosis can take years to develop after being infected, and months of complex medication to treat.

“We have strong partnerships and will be continuing our efforts for many more months to support the communities on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.”

SA TB Services clinical director, Dr Simone Barry said outbreaks of tuberculosis were not common in Australia but when they do occur, it was important they were promptly managed to treat, contain and eliminate the disease.

Originally published as 13 confirmed cases of tuberculosis in APY Lands, including one death