28 Jun 2017

TB rates in American Samoa ring alarm bells

9:59 am on 28 June 2017

American Samoan health authorities want to see immigrants to the territory tested for Tuberculosis.

Director of Nursing Margaret Sesepasara, (foreground), with staff members.

Director of Nursing Margaret Sesepasara, (foreground), with staff members. Photo: supplied / Monica Miller

The Director of Nursing at the Department of Health Margaret Sesepasara said more than 90 per cent of foreigners migrating to American Samoa have tested positive for the disease which can be fatal.

There are five active cases in the territory.

Ms Sesepasara said TB is not often talked about, but the number of active cases and those testing positive for TB are alarming.

The Department of Health is trying to bring in a law that will require mandatory testing for immigrants.