Texas Hospital Investigates Tuberculosis Exposure in Newborn Area - East Idaho News

Texas Hospital Investigates Tuberculosis Exposure in Newborn Area

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getty 092114 hospital?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1411334102502Fuse/Thinkstock(EL PASO, Texas) — The City of El Paso’s Department of Public Health is investigating a tuberculosis exposure at a local hospital affecting more than 700 patients and 40 employees.

Individuals were exposed to a hospital worker with an active case of the disease in the post-partum and newborn nursery area of Providence Memorial Hospital, officials announced Friday. The incident occurred between September 2013 and August 2014.

Health workers are reviewing records to determine which infants and employees were exposed, and the families of patients are being contacted with instructions for free follow-ups and screening.

The employee involved is no longer working at the hospital and is receiving treatment, officials in a statement.

“The health and well-being of our employees and patients is our top priority,” hospital representatives added.

While tuberculosis is not highly contagious and generally requires close contact over an extended period of time for spreading, the bacteria can remain dormant for months or years before becoming active.

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