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Health worker diagnosed with TB | Health worker diagnosed with TB |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A Kent healthcare worker has been diagnosed with infectious tuberculosis. | |
People who have been in close contact with the person, who has not been named, are being invited for screening. | People who have been in close contact with the person, who has not been named, are being invited for screening. |
The worker was employed at five GP practices and a nursing home in Kent between September and December - before it was realised he or she was infected. | The worker was employed at five GP practices and a nursing home in Kent between September and December - before it was realised he or she was infected. |
More than 30,000 patients and staff have been sent letters informing them of the diagnosis and reassuring them the risk of them having TB is very low. | More than 30,000 patients and staff have been sent letters informing them of the diagnosis and reassuring them the risk of them having TB is very low. |
A Health Protection Agency spokesman said: "The letter advises them whether they will need to be screened. | |
We want to reassure people that there is very little risk of contracting TB in this way Dr Mathi Chandrakumar | |
"This is expected to be a very low number and only those whose own medical history may make them more vulnerable." | |
The worker is on sick leave and being treated for the condition, according to the spokesman. | |
Kent Health Protection Unit director, Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, said: "We want to reassure people that there is very little risk of contracting TB in this way but we want to keep them informed of the situation. | |
"Those who need to be screened, possibly because of their own medical condition or reduced immunity, will be informed and will have appointments at a chest clinic arranged for them in the next week or so." | |
"It is important to remember this does not mean they have active disease and that TB infection is completely treatable with antibiotics," he added. | |
TB is caused by bacteria called the tubercle bacillus or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. | |
Symptoms include prolonged coughing for more than two weeks, fevers, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and coughing up blood. |
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