Investigation of a Tuberculosis Outbreak in a University in Southern Taiwan, 2012–2014

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20171003.33(19).002

Hung-Chun Chou, Shu-Hua Huang, Min-Nan Hung,Chiou-Yueh You, Pi-Long Liu

2017 Vol.33 NO.19

Correspondence Author: Hung-Chun Chou

  • Kaohsiung-Pingtung Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Abstract:

From July 2012 to July 2014, a total of 17 confirmed tuberculosis cases had been reported from a university in southern Taiwan. According to epidemiological and microbiological results, an outbreak consist of ten case was confirmed. Bacterial isolates from eight cases had similar genotypes.

After expert discussion and environmental assessment of the university campus, the causes of the outbreak were delayed treatment, poor school health management and poor classroom air quality control. Through air quality control, treatment for latent tuberculosis infection and improving health education, the outbreak was under control since November 2014 after those measures being enforced.