El Paso, Las Cruces health departments offering free TB screenings
In El Paso, hundreds of patients at Providence Memorial Hospital have been exposed to tuberculosis. City health officials tell ABC-7 more than 700 patients and 40 employees were exposed over a one year period.
Officials say a hospital employee was working with an active case of the disease in the post-partum unit and the newborn nursery. The exposed employees have all been tested, and none have come up positive, according to the hospital. But many of the infants born at the hospital over that period must now be screened. Letters have been mailed to the parents of the 706 patients who may have been in close contact with the healthcare worker in question.
Monday, the city’s health department is offering free screenings for those people who received notices. Free screenings will be held at 5115 El Paso Drive.
The New Mexico Department of Health announced Friday it is providing screening to about 50 babies who may have been exposed. They’re holding the skin test Tuesday at Sunland Park Public Health Office and Wednesday at the Anthony Public Health Office. Las Cruces residents can contact the Las Cruces Central Public Health Office at 575-528-5108.
Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs, but can also affect the brain, kidneys or spine. It can be spread when a person with active t-b coughs or sneezes and releases droplets with germs into the air.
