Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - December 18, 2007
The mass escape highlights the problems faced by South Africa as it struggles to cope with an epidemic of virtually incurable TB that feeds off the AIDS virus and kills most of its victims. South Africa has an estimated 5.4 million people living with the AIDS virus.
There have been around 400 confirmed cases of the incurable strain known as XDR-TB, or extremely drug resistant TB. But activists say the actual number is probably much larger, because testing methods are not sophisticated enough to detect the new strain and many people die before they can be diagnosed.
Eastern Cape authorities said Tuesday they were still searching for 29 TB patients who escaped last week from the Jose Pearson Hospital near the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, the South African Press Association said. Twenty had turned themselves in following appeals, and authorities said they hoped more would follow suit.
A spokesman for the department, Siyanda Manana, said the 49 patients - all with multidrug resistant and extremely drug resistant TB - had escaped through holes they cut through the hospital's perimeter fences.
Notices to return, issued by the state attorney's office, were delivered to the patients' homes.
"So far 20 have returned; we are expecting more to come back soon," said Manana.
Although forced confinement of patients violates most medical ethics, authorities say they have no choice but to put the wider public good above individual rights. Confinement for XDR-TB is at least six months.
071218
AP071244
Copyright © 2007 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .