Health officers arrest patient for refusing TB drugs, infecting others - The Standard Digital News

By Antony Gitonga

Public health officers and police in Naivasha have arrested a TB patient for refusing to take medication.

The flower farm worker was arrested in the sprawling Kihoto estate after he failed to take drugs prescribed for TB treatment despite getting several warnings from medical personnel.

He has reportedly already infected three members of his close family with the deadly disease.

Confirming the arrest, Naivasha District Public Health Officer Samuel King'ori said the suspect was being held at Naivasha Police Station.

Charged

Mr King'ori said the middle-aged man would be charged with failing to take TB drugs as stipulated in the law.

"The suspect was arrested after failing to take TB medication despite warnings by medical officers," said the senior officer.

His three relatives infected with the disease are being treated and were responding positively to medication.

"It's illegal to default on TB drugs as they are given free of charge in government health facilities," he said.

And on the just-concluded measles campaign in the area, King'ori said they had surpassed their target of immunising 50,000 children.

Despite facing various challenges like vehicles and opposition from some sect members in the area, King'ori said they had achieved 105 per cent.

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