2K+ In RivCo Possibly Exposed To Tuberculosis

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – More than 2,000 people are being notified that they were possibly exposed to tuberculosis at two hospitals in Riverside County, health officials said today.

A staffer at Hemet Valley Medical Center and two workers at Parkview Community Hospital in Riverside were diagnosed with TB, according to the county Department of Public Health.

"The risk of transmission is low, but TB can still be a serious illness," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county's public health officer. "If you receive notification, you may have been exposed, and getting tested promptly will ensure any risk you have is dealt with quickly."

Health officials said that just over 1,200 notices have been sent to employees and patients from Parkview, while 900 notices have been sent to staff and patients from Hemet Valley, all of whom have been informed of possible exposure to TB and the need for a screening to determine whether they contracted the respiratory illness.

"Those who do not receive a letter are not considered at risk for TB exposure," according to an agency statement.

The three infected parties were not publicly identified, and officials declined to state in what capacities they were working or how they may have been sickened. According to the Department of Public Health, there's no indication the three cases are related.

TB screening begins with a quick skin test. If that turns up positive, the patient is given a chest X-ray to confirm infection.

Tuberculosis is spread through coughing, sneezing, singing or speaking. People cannot be infected through hand-shaking, kissing or handling bedding and toilet seats, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials noted that some people can be infected with TB without manifesting symptoms, which include fever, coughing, night sweats and chest pain. Those with inactive TB are generally not infectious.

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