Eisenhower Medical Center Sees Three Patients Test Positive for Tuberculosis

California has seen an uptick of tuberculosis cases lately. On June 1, 2017, News Channel 3 reported that “Health officials are urging about 500 patients and employees of Eisenhower Medical Center to be tested for tuberculosis after three patients were diagnosed with an active form of the respiratory illness.”

The report says that the three cases are not related, which is a little troubling; unconnected cases could be the first signs of an outbreak.

What you should know about TB

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for TB. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that while TB usually affects the lungs, it can easily spread to the kidneys, brain and spine. Just like M. Chimera, M. Abscessus and M. Fortuitum patients, not all TB patients will present with symptoms, which means you may not realize you have been infected with the bacteria right away. This delay in diagnosis will, inevitably, correspond with a delay in treatment as well. The CDC list the following symptoms for tuberculosis:

• A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
• Weakness or fatigue
• Appetite and/or weight loss
• Chills, fever and/or night sweats

McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is leading the fight against deadly hospital-acquired infections. Our skilled team of attorneys represents clients throughout the country. To learn more about our services, or to schedule a free consultation, please call 803-327-7800, or fill out our contact form.