DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 29, 2007 DHSS-137-2007 |
| 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 CONCLUDES TB TESTING
No additional workers at Mountaire Farms have tuberculosis (TB) disease after testing by Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) concluded this week. Since Nov. 13, 250 employees at the Selbyville poultry processing plant were evaluated as part of a routine health investigation to 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.
"Because investigations are done routinely, they are an effective measure against the spread of TB by finding and treating infection, so it is not contagious," said Dr. Jaime Rivera, DPH director. "We are delighted that there are no additional cases." Statewide, only 12 new cases of TB have been reported during 2007.
Public health workers identify the presence of TB bacteria before it causes disease by taking the following steps:
- 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 medications 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 or sneezes. People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people that they spend time with every day, such as family members, friends and co-workers. TB can be latent or active. Latent TB means a person has TB germs in their body, but they are protected by their body's defenses, so they are not sick. A person with active TB is sick, and can spread the disease to other people. Those with active TB need to see a doctor as soon as possible. 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.
To find out about where to get tested within the state call:
- New Castle County - 302- 283-7588
- Kent County - 302-739-4726
- Sussex County - 302-856-5119
- Central Office - 302-744-1050
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.
