Positive Tuberculosis Cases Increase From 54 To 58

Last updated on Monday, June 15, 2015

(INDIANAPOLIS) -The number of individuals identified as having positive tuberculosis (TB) skin tests has increased from 54 to 85, the Indiana State Department of Health confirmed Friday. These individuals are associated with a student who was confirmed with a case of TB. That student is currently isolated and responding well to treatment.

Additionally, one secondary suspect TB case with symptoms and abnormal chest x-ray has been identified. The Indiana State Department of Health along with the Clark County and Floyd County health departments are working together in this investigation.

"The Indiana State Department of Health continues to investigate this situation and we want Hoosiers to know that we are offering testing to everyone who has been in close contact of the patient," said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. "We want to quickly identify anyone who may have been exposed so we can provide immediate, effective treatment to prevent infection."

To date, 738 individuals have been tested during this investigation. Individuals who have positive skin tests do not have TB disease, but do receive antibiotic treatment so that symptoms do not develop and infection cannot be spread to others.

TB is an airborne disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. TB bacteria are released into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. TB is NOT spread by:

Shaking someone's hand
Sharing food or drink
Touching bed linens or toilet seats
Sharing toothbrushes
Kissing

"We want to ensure the best possible health for Hoosiers," said Dr. Adams. "Unfortunately, TB can affect anyone and the best way to stop it is to quickly identify individuals with active infections and provide them with the medical care they need to treat their infections." TB disease can be successfully treated by taking several drugs for six to nine months. It is extremely important to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed to keep from spreading the disease to others and to prevent development of resistance to the drugs.

For information about TB, individuals are encouraged to call the TB Services Hotline at (877) 826-0011. The hotline will be open during the normal Indiana State Department of Health business hours from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov. Follow the Indiana State Department of Health on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.

Hoosiers who do not have health care coverage or access to a doctor are encouraged to check availability for the new Healthy Indiana Plan--HIP 2.0--by visiting www.HIP.IN.gov or calling 1-877-GET-HIP-9.

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