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Source: http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-tuberculosis-marion-county-011110,0,5141945.story
Rare form of Tuberculosis investigated in Marion County
An alert from the Marion County health department, as officials investigate a rare form of tuberculosis in Marion County that hasn't been seen anywhere else in the United States.
TB is a respiratory bacteria that can become deadly if left untreated. Health officials say this particular strain was discovered a couple of months ago in eight homeless men at a downtown shelter that hasn't been publicly identified. It's been circulating among the homeless population since then.
According to the health department, the general public isn't necessarily at risk right now because TB is spread through water droplets and close personal contact.
Right now the health department is trying to get information out to people who have close contact with the homeless. It sent a bulletin to police officers saying "this outbreak has potential for extensive transmission." It also advises officers that they may want to wear surgical gloves and masks when dealing with homeless men ranging from ages 32 to 64.
Concern is also growing at downtown shelters. During meals at the Wheeler Lighthouse Mission, it's hard to avoid close contact. That's why, last year, when Tuberculosis was going around, Director Matt Roller says it was no surprise that a few guests and four staff members tested positive.
"Of course all of those that came up positive went through treatment," Roller said. "And, as far as we know, are doing well now."
"I haven't heard nothing about it," said Ricki Martin, who recently began staying at the shelter.
Though Martin says the newest outbreak of TB was news to him, he and others who come through for a meal are no strangers to the symptoms, such has a persistent cough.
"I just try to stay away from it and hope they cover their mouth when the cough," Martin said.
Though Ricki is new to town, he says he's less surprised by the outbreak, than he is about the lack of testing for all new guests, which was required at shelters he stayed at in Evansville.
"I mean, anyone who checks in within the first week or so, they require you to go down to the TB clinic," Martin said.
At the Wheeler Lighthouse Center alone, they can sleep up to 170 men each night, which is why they say testing for TB on a regular basis is nearly impossible. Their next testing clinic is planned for February, which is part of the reason why the extent of the current outbreak remains largely unknown.
"We have probably seen them come through our doors," Roller said. "I'm not sure, you know, if they've stayed with us but more than likely here at Wheeler Mission, as large as we are, we've probably seen these men come through our doors to get a meal or to stay a night."
"I don't think it's really unsettling," said Susie Bennett who helps lead group of volunteers with Grace Community Church who help serve at the mission each week.
Though Susie and the other volunteers have direct contact with the homeless, she says she isn't overly concerned because of the mission's attention to keeping everything clean, from hairnets and gloves to cleaning tables. And if this outbreak calls for greater precaution? "We would probably just count on hearing it from Wheeler, you know, once they know what precautions they are going to take," Bennett
In addition to the February testing clinich, Roller says the shelter will also be stepping up it's health evaluations of their guests. Though he says neither he nor the volunteers plan on scaling back their care.
"You know, if it's not us or if it's not groups like us, who's going to do it?" Roller said.
Another concern with the outbreak is the fact that TB treatment is extensive and requires several drugs, which can be expensive. Despite the cost, the Marion County Health Department plans to work with all infected homeless individuals in order to provide the treatment they need, regardless of cost.
Some symptoms of TB include:
• A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or phlegm from deep inside the lungs
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact a doctor.
Rare form of Tuberculosis investigated in Marion County
An alert from the Marion County health department, as officials investigate a rare form of tuberculosis in Marion County that hasn't been seen anywhere else in the United States.
TB is a respiratory bacteria that can become deadly if left untreated. Health officials say this particular strain was discovered a couple of months ago in eight homeless men at a downtown shelter that hasn't been publicly identified. It's been circulating among the homeless population since then.
According to the health department, the general public isn't necessarily at risk right now because TB is spread through water droplets and close personal contact.
Right now the health department is trying to get information out to people who have close contact with the homeless. It sent a bulletin to police officers saying "this outbreak has potential for extensive transmission." It also advises officers that they may want to wear surgical gloves and masks when dealing with homeless men ranging from ages 32 to 64.
Concern is also growing at downtown shelters. During meals at the Wheeler Lighthouse Mission, it's hard to avoid close contact. That's why, last year, when Tuberculosis was going around, Director Matt Roller says it was no surprise that a few guests and four staff members tested positive.
"Of course all of those that came up positive went through treatment," Roller said. "And, as far as we know, are doing well now."
"I haven't heard nothing about it," said Ricki Martin, who recently began staying at the shelter.
Though Martin says the newest outbreak of TB was news to him, he and others who come through for a meal are no strangers to the symptoms, such has a persistent cough.
"I just try to stay away from it and hope they cover their mouth when the cough," Martin said.
Though Ricki is new to town, he says he's less surprised by the outbreak, than he is about the lack of testing for all new guests, which was required at shelters he stayed at in Evansville.
"I mean, anyone who checks in within the first week or so, they require you to go down to the TB clinic," Martin said.
At the Wheeler Lighthouse Center alone, they can sleep up to 170 men each night, which is why they say testing for TB on a regular basis is nearly impossible. Their next testing clinic is planned for February, which is part of the reason why the extent of the current outbreak remains largely unknown.
"We have probably seen them come through our doors," Roller said. "I'm not sure, you know, if they've stayed with us but more than likely here at Wheeler Mission, as large as we are, we've probably seen these men come through our doors to get a meal or to stay a night."
"I don't think it's really unsettling," said Susie Bennett who helps lead group of volunteers with Grace Community Church who help serve at the mission each week.
Though Susie and the other volunteers have direct contact with the homeless, she says she isn't overly concerned because of the mission's attention to keeping everything clean, from hairnets and gloves to cleaning tables. And if this outbreak calls for greater precaution? "We would probably just count on hearing it from Wheeler, you know, once they know what precautions they are going to take," Bennett
In addition to the February testing clinich, Roller says the shelter will also be stepping up it's health evaluations of their guests. Though he says neither he nor the volunteers plan on scaling back their care.
"You know, if it's not us or if it's not groups like us, who's going to do it?" Roller said.
Another concern with the outbreak is the fact that TB treatment is extensive and requires several drugs, which can be expensive. Despite the cost, the Marion County Health Department plans to work with all infected homeless individuals in order to provide the treatment they need, regardless of cost.
Some symptoms of TB include:
• A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or phlegm from deep inside the lungs
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact a doctor.