Byline: STAFF AND WIRE REPORT
RICHMOND -- A health-care worker in Hampton Roads was diagnosed with infectious tuberculosis, but officials said Tuesday that the risk of others contracting the disease is low.
The Virginia Department of Health is trying to determine the source of the disease but has found no additional cases, said Wendy Heirendt, a surveillance coordinator with the agency's Division of Tuberculosis Control.
The health department was notified about the case in early October, and the division immediately began investigating.
``We want to make sure there aren't any secondary cases out there,'' Heirendt said.
John Monroe, an epidemiologist with the Norfolk Health Department, said he had no information about the case, including the worker's identity and location.
But active tuberculosis cases are diagnosed each year, Monroe said. Last year, Norfolk reported 16 to 18 cases. Other local officials were unavailable for comment Tuesday.
The respiratory therapist is being treated for TB and no longer is working, said Dr. Ram Koppaka, director of the division.
Family, friends and co-workers have been tested, Koppaka said. Other people considered at risk of contracting TB from the respiratory therapist will be notified by letter and tested, Koppaka said.
The man's name and place of employment were not released.
The division worked with the Eastern Shore, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach health districts, as well as two hospitals and a home health-care agency, to develop a strategy for testing people who may be at risk of contacting TB from the person.
TB is a bacterial disease spread through the air from one person to another through prolonged exposure. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever and loss of appetite.
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THE DISEASE
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that spreads through the air from one person to another through prolonged exposure.
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