NZ Warriors
player Tevita Latu hospitalised

NZ Vodafone Warriors? hooker Tevita Latu has been diagnosed as having pulmonary tuberculosis. He has been admitted to hospital and has begun treatment for this condition.

As pulmonary tuberculosis is a potentially infectious condition, all of Tevita?s close contacts will be tested by public health staff.

It is a legal requirement in New Zealand that persons with pulmonary tuberculosis be notified to the Medical Officer of Health so that appropriate tracing can be undertaken.

In the first instance Tevita?s family will be tested. However, it is likely that testing will also be undertaken on other members of the Vodafone Warriors? squad. These tests comprise the performance of a chest radiograph and a simple skin test and will take place at the earliest possible time, delivering the best possible results.

The Vodafone Warriors are co-operating fully with the Medical Officer of Health to ensure that these tests are undertaken as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. The Warriors? management recognises that these investigations are undertaken in order to ensure the continued excellent health of the players.

The specialist involved in this case, Dr. John Kolbe, has assured the club that all of the policies and procedures that have been followed have been entirely appropriate.

Regular club doctor Chris Hanna instructed Tevita to undergo a chest x-ray on his resumption of training to ensure that his pneumonia from September had completely cleared. The investigation to confirm the diagnosis of tuberculosis was very prompt and Tevita has been isolated since this diagnosis. The relevant Public Health personnel were informed immediately, the player has been hospitalised and has commenced treatment. The issue has been taken seriously by the club and all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent any further spread.

Tuberculosis is an eminently treatable disease and it is anticipated that Tevita will make a full recovery. Although he may have some minor residual scarring on his lungs, his exercise tolerance will not be adversely affected and he will resume full membership of the Vodafone Warriors? squad immediately after the Christmas break.