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Health worker diagnosed with TB Health worker diagnosed with TB
(about 3 hours later)
A Kent health care worker has been diagnosed with infectious tuberculosis. 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.