A Tuberculosis Family Cluster in an Aboriginal Township, Eastern Taiwan, 2019

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202403_40(5).0001

Feng-Jung Lee^*, Li-Chun Huang, Pei-Ching Huang, Chin-Yu Wang, Yi-Fen Chen, Ta-Jen Chien

2024 Vol.40 NO.5

Correspondence Author： Feng-Jung Lee^*

Abstract：

        During April 3 to 11, 2019, three confirmed tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported from a township in Hualien County. All three were retreatment cases and were highly infectious. Epidemiologic investigation determined these cases to be a family cluster.
        Through contact investigation, four children aged < 5 years were diagnosed with TB. A total of seven cases were confirmed in this cluster; five were of identical genotype. Risk factors contributing to this TB family cluster included high infectivity, refusal of screening, having comorbidities, poor compliance with medication, low socioeconomic status, poor home ventilation, and young age. High infectivity, refusal of screening, having comorbidities, poor compliance with medication, low socioeconomic status, poor ventilation at home, and young age were risk factors that contributed to this TB family cluster.
        Control strategies included expanding screening among high-risk groups, treating latent tuberculosis infections, and enhancing health education. Assistance was sought from non-governmental organizations and social welfare groups to address the economic problems of the cases and improve sanitation and ventilation of the family’s residence. As of April 2021, there have been no additional TB cases in this family.