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Metro Health has identified fewer than 50 babies and 30 adults who came into contact with an individual with tuberculosis at North Central Baptist Hospital in November or December.

Metro Health spokeswoman Carol Schliesinger said all of the people who are at risk of exposure have been notified and tested. So far, all tests have come back negative, but the individuals will be tested again 10 weeks after their first test.

“Anyone and everyone who could have been exposed has been contacted by our team,” Schliesinger said. “If they have not been contacted, they have no risk.”

Schliesinger declined to say when the exposure occurred, or give an exact number of those exposed, citing federal confidentiality laws. She said screenings began in late December or early January.

“In order for you to be exposed to tuberculosis, you have to spend at least six hours per week with the infected person,” Schliesinger said. “You cannot become sick with tuberculosis if you were just in an elevator with that person, that would disqualify you as somebody who has been exposed.”

The person confirmed to have tuberculosis is responding well to treatment and remains in isolation, according to Schliesinger.

bmartin@express-news.net

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