The state’s Division of Public Health is inviting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to consult on how to prevent the spread of a tuberculosis outbreak at a Wilmington prison.
Two former inmates of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution were diagnosed with active TB last month.
Director of the state’s Department of Public Health Dr. Carol Rattay says the risk of those outside the facility contracting TB is low.
"TB is contagious, but it’s not as contagious as say influenza or chicken pox," said Rattay. "To get infected by TB you need close, constant contact with someone. It’s usually someone you live with or work closely with."
Still, Rattay urges those who think they may have contracted it to check with their doctors.
"Most people who have it have what we call the latent disease, so they're not likely to have symptoms. But if they like they’ve been exposed they should be tested," said Rattay. "Now certainly If they have chronic symptoms like chronic cough, productive cough, weight loss, night sweats, absolutely talk to your doctor.
The Division of Public Health is reaching out by phone or mail to schedule screenings with former inmates who may be at risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also help to identify what portion of the population at the prison should be targeted for screening.
State officials report that only four cases of TB have been reported so far this year. Nineteen confirmed cases of the disease were reported in 2013.
