Tuberculosis At Harborview: 45 Patients May Haven Been Exposed

SEATTLE, WA - A Harborview Medical Center patient has been confirmed to have active tuberculosis, King County health officials say, and up to 45 patients at the hospital may have been exposed to that person.

The tuberculosis patient may have come into contact with hospital staff and other patients on three occasions between mid-December and Jan. 20, health officials say. Those who were potentially exposed to the tuberculosis patient will be screened for symptoms.

King County health officials say that TB is harder to spread than the common cold or flu.

Tuberculosis is a potentially lethal infection that mainly affects the lungs. About two cases of tuberculosis are detected in King County each week on average, health officials say. Tuberculosis can either be active or dormant. Those with dormant TB - about 100,000 people in the county have this form - cannot spread it. Active TB can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

Earlier this month, a case of active TB was detected in a member of Renton's Hazen High School community.

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