The Directorate-General of Health clarified that “to date, a case of pulmonary tuberculosis has been confirmed in a professional linked to a hotel establishment in the Lisbon region,” in response to inquiries following reports of tuberculosis cases in a hotel.
The health authority stated that this case is undergoing clinical and therapeutic monitoring at the Community Respiratory Consultation in the area of residence.
“There is currently no evidence of increased risk to the general population. All recommended isolation and treatment measures have been followed by the case,” it emphasized.
The Directorate-General of Health added that health authorities and other partners are identifying “at-risk contacts according to exposure to the case, directing them for screening,” in line with public health norms and guidelines applicable to these cases.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is mainly transmitted through the air when an infected person releases small contaminated particles by coughing, speaking, or sneezing. The risk of contagion depends on the severity of the disease, the proximity and duration of contact, and the conditions of the location, it noted.
“Only tuberculosis affecting the respiratory tract is contagious. When a case is identified, health authorities trace close contacts—people who spent several hours with the patient—to detect possible infections,” it stressed.
The health authority explained that screening begins by ruling out active disease through symptoms and chest X-rays, followed by a blood test (IGRA) to assess previous contact with the bacteria.
The screening aims to ensure early detection of disease cases and prevent transmission.
