A patient who was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis may have come into contact with 150 staff of the Harborview Medical Center and up to 45 patients in the hospital. The incident led to precautionary testing for those possibly exposed to the infectious disease. The patient who was tested positive for the lung disease suffered from many conditions and did not exhibit obvious symptoms of tuberculosis according to Harborview’s Dr. Tim Dellit.
According to Dr. Dellit, the patient came in contact with other patients and staff on three occasions between the middle of December and January 20, associate medical director at Harborview, the diagnosis was delayed and because the active TB infection was masked by the patients other symptoms. Once the patient was suspected to have TB, the patient was isolated and treatment was administered.
According to Susan Gregg, hospital spokeswoman, Harborview Medical Center will not be releasing the gender or age of the patient who is a resident of Pierce County. Although the risk of transmission is relatively low, Harborview is contacting patients through letter or by phone and staff who may have been exposed. The hospital will be offering TB tests. Patients and staff who were possibly exposed will not be charged for the tests.
Dr. Dellit said that he does not think there is a significant risk to the community at large. Harborview staff and patients are at low risk for contracting the disease. He further stated that it is very difficult to acquire TB especially through casual contact. Tuberculosis is unlike flu. It is not transmitted by touching objects such as tables that the infected person has touched. According to Dr. Dellit, only active TB infections are infectious. Infections that are latent or inactive are not contagious as reported in an article by The Seattle Times.
TB is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of the body like the brain and spine. The cause of the disease is a bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the 20th Century, TB was a leading cause of death in the United States. Today, the most cases of the disease are treated and cured with antibiotics. The treatment of the disease can last for up to 6 to 9 months as reported by WebMD.
