DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 31, 2003 DHSS-117-2003 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Karryl McManus, Deputy Secretary (302) 255-9047, Pager (302) 247-2116 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TB IN TRAINEE AT SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) is investigating a case of tuberculosis (TB) that occurred in a trainee at the Shipley Manor and Foulk Manor South senior living facilities in Wilmington. The trainee is unlikely to have been infectious to employees and patients of the senior facilities because the individual had no outward symptoms of the disease.
TB is a bacteria that is inhaled into the lungs. The bacteria are released into the air when a TB-infected person coughs or sneezes. People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day, such as family members, friends and coworkers. Signs and symptoms of TB include a strong cough that lasts more than two weeks, coughing up blood or sputum (mucous), chest pain, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, chills, fever and night sweats.
A skin test is the first step in diagnosing TB. A positive skin test indicates that infection has occurred, even though the person may have no symptoms or be contagious. A chest X-ray helps physicians know if a person with a positive skin test has active disease. If the chest X-ray is suspicious for TB, a sputum test is performed. This is fast but preliminary laboratory evidence that the infected person is exhaling TB bacteria. TB bacteria can be grown in a laboratory by culturing sputum. This provides confirmation of disease but can take two weeks because TB is a slow growing bacteria.
DPH became aware of this case on Oct. 9 after a lengthy medical evaluation by private physicians resulting from an abnormal chest X-ray finding on July 9. Initial tests for TB were negative. The trainee was not diagnosed with TB until a culture was positive on Oct. 9.
DPH worked with each senior living facility to test their employees and residents. The infected trainee's close contacts were also tested. A letter explaining the TB investigation was provided to Shipley Manor residents' families Oct. 18 and Foulk Manor South residents' families Oct. 25. The trainee with TB is receiving treatment and last worked on Oct. 3.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
