Minnesota's Ramsey County has reported 17 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis over the last two years, representing the largest such outbreak in the nation, according to a report from the Pioneer Press.
Of the 17 individuals infected, six died. Three of the deaths were directly attributed to TB. Fourteen cases occurred among the county's Hmong community. Ten cases were identified among elderly adults who participated in activities at a local senior center. All infected individuals required hospitalization. The Minnesota Department of Health is working with the Hmong community to raise awareness about TB.
"It's important for folks in the Hmong community to know that if you have older family members who have symptoms, cough, weight loss, night sweats and other symptoms that are compatible with TB, you should be aware that this is something to be considered," said Kris Ehresmann, director of the health department's infectious disease division, according to Pioneer Press. "But definitely the general public needs to know it's not a concern. I would hate for anybody to think 'I'm not going to talk to my Hmong colleague or my Hmong friend' because of this."
State health officials suspect the outbreak originated overseas, as some of the infected individuals once resided in a Thai refugee camp where tuberculosis infections were common. The health department is monitoring 500 people for possible exposure. Most of these individuals participated in activities at the senior center.
TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection occurs when someone with active TB transmits the bacteria to another person via coughing, speaking or singing. Treatments for drug-resistant TB can take up to two years.
To learn more about TB, click here.
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