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Tuberculosis public health notification — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateEthics and public healthTuberculosis public health notificationRACP Adult Medicine

A 39-year-old man has smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by nucleic acid amplification testing. He lives in shared accommodation and works in aged care. Treatment is being arranged. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: E — Notify public health authorities and begin contact tracing with airborne precautions

Active pulmonary TB is notifiable and requires public health coordination, contact tracing and infection-control precautions. Notification should not wait for culture susceptibility. Self-managed contact tracing and premature return to high-risk work are unsafe, while confidentiality is maintained through lawful public health processes.

Reference: Australian tuberculosis public health guidelines; Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) Antibiotic