Health Department Investigating Dozen Positive Tuberculosis Tests at Lonoke Co. Jail
By: Marci Manley, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 18, 2012
The Arkansas Department of Health is investigating after more than a dozen routine tuberculosis screenings tested positive at the Lonoke County Jail.
According to health department officials, the positive tests only indicate the individuals may have been exposed to a tuberculosis infection in the past.
Specimens from three inmates who were complaining of symptoms are being tested to rule out any active cases.
"We have not found any active cases, and only active cases can spread tuberculosis," says Dr. Nate Smith, State Epidemiologist with the Department of Health. "There's no reason to panic in this case."
Health officials say the investigation is part of the routine screening system working exactly as it should.
According to health department officials, the positive tests only indicate the individuals may have been exposed to a tuberculosis infection in the past.
Specimens from three inmates who were complaining of symptoms are being tested to rule out any active cases.
"We have not found any active cases, and only active cases can spread tuberculosis," says Dr. Nate Smith, State Epidemiologist with the Department of Health. "There's no reason to panic in this case."
Health officials say the investigation is part of the routine screening system working exactly as it should.
