24 Apr 2009

Positive TB test results from infected nurse's contacts

3:15 pm on 24 April 2009

Wellington public health officials have confirmed 55 positive test results for tuberculosis, linked to an infected nurse who was working in the region.

The casual employee worked at Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals, and four rest homes, between December and March.

Of the 263 people identified as needing testing, 163 have been seen, and interim results reveal 55 positive tests for the potentially deadly disease.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Annette Nesdale says those who have tested positive for TB are being offered further chest x-rays and blood tests.

Dr Nesdale says it has been a little harder to track airline passengers who sat near the nurse on a flight abroad, though investigations with airlines and public health officials overseas are continuing.

Capital and Coast District Health Board suspended its contract with TLC Recruitment Solutions last month, after it was discovered the agency had supplied the worker.