Wilkes County Health Department Investigating Tuberculosis Cases at NC Department of Correction, Wilkes Correctional Center.
May 2, 2011
Contact: Ann Absher (336) 651-7450
The Wilkes County Health Dept and the Wilkes Correctional Facility continue to work very closely in monitoring for signs of tuberculosis and treating any suspect cases. Since November, there have been three confirmed cases of Tuberculosis. Because of the ongoing, collaborative effort in follow-up screening for tuberculosis, a fourth suspect case has been identified. This fourth case has not been confirmed, additional test results are pending, however, the inmate has been transferred to a facility for additional follow-up.
“We believe all inmates with any symptoms have been identified and are being treated or observed,” said Wilkes County Health Director Beth Lovette. “We appreciate the efforts of the Wilkes Correctional Facility staff and inmates as we continue to work to manage any potential concerns regarding tuberculosis.”
“Tuberculosis infection may not be detected by a skin test until up to two months after exposure, so our standard procedure is to repeat skin tests in eight weeks on all employees and inmates to determine if those persons may have been infected. ,” said Dr. Jason Stout, medical director of the N.C. Tuberculosis Control Program at the N.C. Division of Public Health. “Most infected persons are not sick and not contagious, and can take medicine to prevent getting sick in the future."
Tuberculosis a disease that often affects the lungs. It is transmitted when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The germs are expelled into the air, and if a nearby person breathes them in, that person can become infected with TB. Tuberculosis is curable with medications. For more information on TB, visit the N.C. Tuberculosis Control Program website by clicking here.
For more information, call the Wilkes County Health Department at 336-651-7450 or visit the website www.wilkeshealth.com