DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 16, 2007 DHSS-132-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH CONDUCTS TB SKIN TESTING
As part of a routine tuberculosis (TB) investigation, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) provided skin tests to approximately 250 employees from Mountaire Farms on Nov. 13 at the Selbyville poultry processing plant. The tests will rule out spread of TB from a female worker confirmed with the disease Nov. 15. The employee is receiving treatment at home until medically cleared for work. The employee's family has tested negative for TB.
Health workers can identify the presence of TB bacteria before it causes disease. Strategies for identifying and managing TB include:
- Skin testing to determine if individuals have any risk for TB. The test identifies if a person's immune system has ever encountered TB bacteria. Millions of people in the U.S. have positive skin test results because their bodies successfully fought off TB and they remain healthy. The vast majority of people with a positive skin test never develop TB disease and are never contagious to others.
- People with a positive skin test receive a chest x-ray and physical examination for evidence of active TB disease in the lungs.
- When x-rays and physical exams show no evidence of active TB disease, individuals usually receive antibiotics to further reduce their risk.
TB is a bacteria that is inhaled into the lungs. The bacteria are released into the air when a TB-infected person coughs. 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, chest pain, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, chills, fever and night sweats.
If you have questions about your risk for TB, see your family health care provider for a routine skin test. Many individuals have had this skin test before (given on the arm) as part of a physical exam. DPH will provide more information on this investigation as it becomes available.
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.
