Health Experts Investigate Mystery TB Infections After Surgery in Faridpur
Health authorities have launched a major investigation after 12 patients developed tuberculosis in their surgical wounds. The infections happened after operations at a private hospital in Faridpur, Pabna. A special team from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) is leading the inquiry.
The seven-member team began its work on Sunday. It is led by Md Shahriar Sazzad, who directs the National Tuberculosis Control Programme. The team visited the Al-Madina Lab and Hospital in Faridpur Upazila.
On the first day, the team met the 12 patients with TB in their surgical wounds. They checked the patients’ health and collected samples. These samples have been sent to Dhaka for detailed testing. Mr. Shahriar Sazzad said the team will also gather information about other patients. These are patients who had surgery at the hospital recently.
The investigation will continue with field monitoring. On Monday, the team plans to examine surgical instruments used at the hospital. Mr. Shahriar Sazzad stated the goal is to find the cause and how widely the infection has spread. He added that they are looking at every detail to find the main source of the infections. A full report will be ready after all lab tests are finished.
The infections came to light last August. Eleven of the 12 patients were new mothers. Following this, the upazila health department acted quickly. They temporarily closed the hospital’s operation theatre on August 24. An investigation committee was also formed.
Faridpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, Md Rashedul Hasan, spoke about the patients. He said all 12 patients are now getting treatment. They are under the care of the Faridpur Upazila Health Complex. Their condition is improving with the ongoing treatment. Mr. Hasan also confirmed that the health department is collecting information on other patients who had surgery at the hospital.
