Possible exposure of tuberculosis at CNC
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PRINCE GEORGE— An active case of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has been confirmed at CNC in Prince George. Northern Health is following up with those who may be at risk to ensure they’re assessed.
TB is spread through the air. Sharing clothes, dishes or drinks doesn’t spread the disease. Symptoms of TB can include a prolonged cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever or night sweats.
“The risk is low for spread of TB to anyone other than close contacts of the index case,” says Northern Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Andrew Gray. “TB is an infectious disease that generally only spreads to persons in close contact with an infected person over a long period of time and is not easily spread to others.”
People who may be at risk are being contacted directly and are being urged to take a TB test. Testing will be available to everyone affected. It can take as long as eight to twelve weeks for the TB test to go from negative to positive in those who’ve been exposed. The risk of developing the disease once infected is small and can be prevented with medication.
