The cases of tuberculosis in KIA are not a threat to public health in Aruba and are under control.
ORANJESTAD—At a press conference on April 16, 2025, the Department of Public Health (DVG), Dr. Becker (Lung Specialist—Horacio Oduber Hospital), Dr. Rodriguez (Correction Institute Aruba), Dr. Salazar (DVG Medical Advisor), and Mr. Ronald Geerman (Infectious Diseases Section) provided additional details regarding the TB cases in KIA.
DVG is closely monitoring the development at KIA and is committed to continuous efforts to deal with tuberculosis related to the two active cases.
While coughing was not a clear sign of tuberculosis, some detainees experienced respiratory issues at KIA in December. In January, when the symptoms persisted and worsened, they did a PCR sputum test, for which it turned out that one detainee tested positive, and during February, two more tested positive for active tuberculosis. Two other inmates tested positive for the disease in February. One of the first active cases is no longer in KIA. He is outside and DVG’s infectious diseases section (Dienst Besmettelijke Ziekten) monitors his treatment.
Dr. Rodriguez of Korrectie Instituut Aruba explained the current situation of tuberculosis cases in KIA, where there are currently two detainees with positive cases and three detainees who are positive for latent tuberculosis and are also under prophylactic treatment. Eight detainees tested positive for PPD and were asymptomatic, all following a close contact screening of index cases. For the contact survey conducted by the Infectious Diseases Section (Dienst Besmettelijke Ziekten), we tested 25 detainees, of whom eight tested positive for PPD (April 11, 2025). They do not have respiratory problems, so they have no symptoms. They will do more tests this week.
The protocols established by PAHO/WHO were immediately activated, and they took the necessary measures against this mycobacterium. The infected detainees were isolated and began their treatment. KIA limited visits to detainees and investigated those who had contact with those infected. They took PPD tests and implemented extra preventive measures to stop the spread.
At this time, KIA staff and personnel are free of contagion. Those in contact with the infected detainees are under observation and medical guidance. The situation is under control, and they will continue to monitor this mycobacterium to ensure that cases of this disease will not increase in KIA. In the present situation, we continue to pay close attention and adhere to all established protocols to improve earlier detections.