Tuberculosis cases hit 42 at Brunswick N.C. jail

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Source: http://www.wwaytv3.com/tuberculosis_cases_hit_42_brunswick_jail/08/2009

Tuberculosis cases hit 42 at Brunswick jail

There is an update on tuberculosis in the Brunswick County Jail.

Health officials say forty-two inmates and jail workers have tested positive for the disease since an outbreak last month. Only two of those reported cases are contagious, and one former inmate is being examined to see if the disease has reached his lungs.

Those who test positive are required to take medicine for the next few months to make sure the disease doesn't spread.

 

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Re: Tuberculosis cases hit 42 at Brunswick N.C. jail

Source: http://www.news14.com/content/local...fected-after-tb-outbreak-in-jail/Default.aspx



08/11/2009 03:42 PM
More than 40 infected after TB outbreak in jail

By: News 14 Carolina Staff

BOLIVIA, N.C. ? Brunswick County health officials say more than 40 people have tested positive for tuberculosis following last month's outbreak at the county jail.

The health department says only two people have had the active, contagious forms of the illness. Officials have screened about 650 inmates and jail workers since the first inmate tested positive last month, and they're retesting those who tested negative.

Responding to the outbreak cost the health department more than $20,000. Officials say a private company that provides health care to the inmates will pay half, and they're hoping the sheriff's department will pick up the other half.

Tuberculosis is curable and those who tested positive are receiving antibiotics.