TB and nomads, alcohol and Muslims
Posted by judyw on November 29, 2007
Just a couple of thoughts about the report in the Emporia newspaper on the November 28 meeting. First, on the nomadic nature of Somalis:
“So far as fixing a hard number, it really is impossible to do that right now,” Kimsey said. “The 500 that are here today are not the same 500 that were here in May of this year or December of last year. This culture by its historic reality are nomadic. … They’re not used to settling in one place forever.”
So those 50 percent who have latent TB — they won’t necessarily be around to receive their nine months or year of treatment. Someone said the Somalis understand the need for treatment. Presumably when they move they go to another community of Somalis, many of whom are being treated. So it is quite possible that the public health system picks them up when they move, and they’re not spreading TB around the country. But could we have some facts on this, please?
Second, a couple of the Emporia residents described episodes of drunkenness among the Somalis. Are these the same Somalis who need footbaths and prayer rooms at work for their Muslim practices? If they’re that religious, what are they doing drinking alcohol?
