Abstract
In this report, we describe the investigation and management of an outbreak of TB associated with a mosque in Scotland, and consider the implications of large-scale TB contact tracing. The screening of casual contacts in this setting was complex and time-consuming with a low detection rate.
Highlights
In 2005, an Algerian man, living in the north-east of Scotland was found to be sputum smear-positive for tuberculosis (TB)
BTS 2000 guidelines advised that casual contact tracing should be considered if the index case was highly infectious, indicated by transmission to more than 10% of close contacts [10]
The outbreak control team identified two settings where significant casual contact with the case could have occurred: The index case’s work place, a small food outlet; The mosque where the index case had attended Friday lunchtime and Friday evening prayer meetings throughout his illness
Summary
Tu be rcu losis outbreak associate d with a mosqu e: challengesoflargescalecon tac t t r ac i n g. We describe the investigation and management of an outbreak of TB associated with a mosque in Scotland, and consider the implications of large-scale TB contact tracing. The investigation and management of a TB outbreak is challenging and requires a complex message about risk to be communicated. There were additional complexities that, to the best of our knowledge, have not been reported previously. It was crucial, in designing the communication strategy, to identify key individuals within the community to assist with tailoring the message to address risk perception and to help to deliver the message. The screening of casual contacts in this setting was complex and time-consuming with a low detection rate
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