Health Department Works With Anniston Company To Evaluate Employees Testing Positive For TB, USA

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 05 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The Alabama Department of Public Health is working closely with Union Foundry Co. in Anniston in the evaluation of a small number of employees who tested positive on a tuberculin skin test. This testing was provided as part of a job wellness program, and 15 employees have received chest X-rays as part of that evaluation.

Although no cases of active tuberculosis have been identified at this time, the health department remains in close contact with the employer to assist in such follow-up as is deemed necessary.

Employees and their families should know that a "positive" tuberculin skin test result is no cause for alarm. Anyone with a positive TB skin test will receive further evaluation, including a chest X-ray. If the chest X-ray is normal, the employee will be considered for preventive therapy to minimize the risk of becoming ill with TB disease.

Employees and their families should rest assured that this process is considered part of normal operations, and that the health department provides these services at no cost.

http://www.adph.org