[PEN-L:1438] TB outbreak in New Zealand

[Bill Rosenberg <w.rosenberg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

A symbol of the "progress" New Zealand "reforms" have made -

Seven cases of tuberculosis have been identified at Tangaroa
College, Otara, Auckland, the first mass outbreak of the disease in
New Zealand for more than a decade. More are expected according to
Auckland medical officer of health, Lester Calder. Poverty and
overcrowded housing could have contributed to the outbreak. The
school is classified as "1st decile" for funding purposes (i.e.
lowest socio-economic group).

The incidence of TB is increasing. In 1990 there were 166 cases of TB,
a rate of 4.9 per 100,000 people. In 1997 there were 355 cases, a
rate of 10 per 100,000.

Among Maori the incidence of TB is 6.9 cases per 100,000, among
Pacific people 9.8/100,000 and among Europeans it is 1.6 per 100,000.
The school has a 99% Maori and Pacific Island roll.

Less than a week ago, (state-owned) Housing New Zealand chief
executive, Brian Roche, told a parliamentary select committee that
some families elected to cram into homes. Overcrowding was not
because the corporation was now charging market rents.

(Sources: New Zealand Herald, Christchurch Press, Alliance press
statement.)

Bill Rosenberg