The Livingston County Health Department says it’s working to identify patients and staff at three healthcare facilities that may have been in contact with a worker who was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis disease.

The worker, who was unknowingly ill with tuberculosis at the time, worked at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals and the South Lyon Senior Care and Rehab facility. The worker may have been in contact with more than 600 individuals between May 1st of 2017 and January 31st of this year. The individual is currently receiving treatment and is not working at this time.

Health Promotions Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow-Lantto says the Livingston, Oakland and Washtenaw county health departments are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and healthcare facilities to determine the health status of patients and staff that may have been in contact with the worker. That is being done through phone calls and letters.

Moxlow-Lantto says it’s not a guarantee that someone who came into contact with the worker contracted the disease, but should talk to their doctor if they feel they’re showing symptoms. Tuberculosis is a treatable bacterial disease that spreads through the air from one person to another. Symptoms can include a bad cough that lasts more than three weeks, weakness or fatigue, chills, fever and night sweats.

Both hospitals are providing blood tests and treatment to affected patients and staff that have been notified they may have been exposed. The rehab center is providing testing to current staff and patients and is contacting those who formerly worked or were treated there.

Anyone with specific questions can also contact the Livingston County Health Department at 517-546-9850.
The full press release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services can be viewed at the link below.(DK)