Forthcoming Decline In Tourism

[DISANTO]

Increasing number of people throughout the world are becoming aware of rapidly spreading new multiresistant tuberculosis which comes from third-world countries, including the Dominican Republic. The officials of these countries must take proper actions to quarantine the infected subjects and make the vaccination mandatory. The alternative will be the tourists' avoidance of these catastrophic areas. This should be not only of medical concern but economic as well.

[Eddy]

Haven't heard of anything here.

[Pib]

Would you care to provide for a reference to the above? We'll appreciate it. In the meantime I will go about my merry way without giving that a second thought.

[m65swede]

"Rapidly spreading" and "Tuberculosis" rarely belong on the same page together, much less in the same sentence. TB is by nature a slow mover; this is one of the reasons we've been so successful in reducing its spread.

Scientists require a full 30 days to grow a sample of Mycobacterium tuberculosis under lab conditions. Many other pathogens are detectable after only 24 or 48 hours of growth. Exposure usually requires frequent and close personal contact. Can't get it from a doorknob, etc.

My company of 300 employees was informed last week that one of our co-workers has been diagnosed with TB. We are located in central Illinois, USA. The doctors who spoke advised us to take no action for a minimum of 4-6 weeks, then to get a skin test if we felt the need or if we developed symptoms.

Vaccination against TB is not used in the US, though many countries offer it. My guess is that the post above is somewhat "alarmist" in nature.

Swede

[Escott]

What a BS Post!

Who the hell is becoming aware? You and your mama??

I travel extensively and read the internet about travel and this is the first I have read about it right here. Go pound your bs somewhere else.

[Hillbilly]

I do think that this poster has, as was mentioned, a very alarmist viewpoint.

In general, Dominicans are needle people and feel that they will only get better if they get a shot of something. TB is a notorious survivor and what several doctors here have told me is, that once diagnosed, the treatment is begun but it is rarely finished because (A) the patient feels so much better after a short period of treatment (B) it is costly (C)incredible ignorance of the dangers of a shorted period of treatment.

Therefore, I will presume that there is a highly resistant strain of TB in the DR. I do not doubt that of the cases of resistant TB in NYC, several are from the DR.

Yet, the existance of the strain is certainly not a reason to curtail vacations or visit to the Dominican Republic.

Be well,

HB

[PJT]

Disanto, we all should be concerned about TB. Yet, your post is alarmist and I don't know why you linked tuberculosis with a decline of tourism.

Your post is certainly not going to put a damper on my movements. I have more concerns about my safety and health when driving in the capital. I will still go there. If we listened to everyone that said "the sky is falling" we still be living in caves. Regards, PJT

[kingofdice]

Intelligent and well-worded response as usual, HB. But, you're telling us to "Be Well" and your little guy is puffing away on that cigar. Haha.

[Hillbilly]

Yes, that is true...but cigars are a part of the DR culture and tradition...

Besides, like Slick Willy, I never, ever, inhale!!

HB

[Larry]

Attach an artice from either a medical journal or some other reputable source and I will be concerned. Otherwise do me a favor and SHADDUP!
ILoveDR