Apr 10, 2009 0
Infants possibly exposed to TB at Chicago-area hospitals
The Chicago Tribune is reporting possible exposure to tuberculosis of infants and children at three area hospitals: Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Children’s Memorial Hospital, and Evanston Hospital. According to the Tribune, the exposure may have occurred through a Northwestern University doctor-in-training who was recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis.
The AP is reporting that hundreds of patients and staff at all three hospitals may have been exposed to the infectious bacteria and that, so far, two of the three hospitals are confirming efforts to contact affected patients and families.
This comes after the Chi-Town Daily News recently reported a historic drop in newly-diagnosed cases of tuberculosis.
Adult symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing blood, night sweats, fever, and swelling a the neck when the lymph nodes become infected.
However, according to to one child health care website, infants and children may not show clear signs of tuberculosis infection.
Click here for more information on how to get tested and treated for tuberculosis in Chicago.
