The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and NSW Health South Western Sydney Local Health District public health officials are providing medical care to a detainee at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (VIDC) following a confirmed case of leprosy.
“NSW Health has advised that the person poses little to no risk to other detainees or staff and that his disease is easily treated with antibiotics,” a DIAC spokesman said.“NSW Health advises this disease is curable, is an uncommon infection which exists in tropical and sub-tropical regions globally and is extremely rare in Australia.
“We are advised that people who have occasional contact with an infected person are not at risk of acquiring the disease as it is not easily transmitted from one person to another.
“As a precaution, the department will ensure that anyone who has had contact with this person has access to assessment and, where necessary, further management.”
Staff and detainees at VIDC are being counselled and educated about the situation.Health authorities advise there is no need to move or isolate the detainee and he will remain in the centre.