TWO CONFIRMED CASES OF XDR TB IN NEPAL

UNCLAS KATHMANDU 002919 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO SOCI PREF CDC HHS NP SUBJECT: TWO CONFIRMED CASES OF XDR TB IN NEPAL TWO CONFIRMED CASES OF XDR TB -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Post has recently become aware of two cases of XDR TB in Nepal. According to Post's medical officer, both of the reported XDR TB patients in Nepal are Tibetan refugees. XDR is an extremely drug resistant form of Tuberculosis. The first patient died in March 2006 and Post's medical officer believes that the GENETUP (German-Nepal TB Program) lab in Kathmandu diagnosed her. GENETUP confirmed the second diagnosis--the first patient's sister--a few months ago. The strain is resistant to eight drugs. The second patient is married to an American citizen and therefore has potential immigration benefits to the US. Her husband does not appear to have active TB, though Post's medical officer assesses that he probably has latent XDR TB. Two weeks ago, a monk who had prolonged contact with the second patient in a monastery was diagnosed with TB, though it is unknown whether his TB is XDR or not. POTENTIAL FOR BROADER EXPOSURE -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The Embassy is concerned that the two patients infected with XDR TB may have had significant contact with others in Nepal. The person currently suffering from XDR TB is potentially still contagious and is not complying with isolation and medication instructions. At this time, it is unclear when the two patients developed XDR TB, but Post's medical officer believes the second patient has had active XDR TB for quite some time. She has been in contact with dozens of people while attending daily classes at the monastery, though Post's medical officer assesses that she might have infected only the people who sat or slept close to her at the monastery. Post is not aware of any additional cases. MORIARTY