A Tuberculosis Outbreak at a Psychiatric Hospital in Central Taiwan, 2022

DOI: 10.6524/TEB.202410_40(20).0002

Hsing-Yi Wang^1*, Chiao-Wen Lin¹, Kung-Ching Wang¹, Shao-Hui Tsai¹, Jhy-Wen Wu¹, Ching-Fen Ko^{1, 2}  

2024 Vol.40 NO.20

Correspondence Author： Hsing-Yi Wang^1*

Abstract：

        A psychiatric hospital in central Taiwan reported a total of 11 confirmed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis from September 2021 to January 2023. Five of these cases had an identical genotype, indicating a tuberculosis outbreak. Epidemiological investigation revealed an association between Case 1 and Case 3. However, Case 3 was not initially listed as a contact of Case 1 upon Case 1's diagnosis. It was recommended that the psychiatric hospital accurately maintain lists of patients participating in psychiatric rehabilitation programs to enhance the completeness of epidemiological investigations. Furthermore, Case 3 exhibited relevant symptoms as early as May 2021, but was diagnosed after a delay of 8 months when being identified as a contact of Case 2. At the time of diagnosis, Case 3's sputum smear and culture were both positive for tuberculosis, indicating high infectivity. It is advised that the hospital strengthen surveillance of patients' health conditions to prevent diagnostic delays