TB case probed at Curry County jail

CLOVIS, N.M. (KRQE-KBIM) - The New Mexico Department of Health is working with Curry County officials to prevent the spread of tuberculosis after a former inmate of the county jail came down with tuberculosis, according to a news release.

Health officials plan to perform skin tests on people who may have been exposed to the disease, and offered any necessary treatment. County Manager Lance A. Pyle said current and former employees, volunteers and inmates who may have had direct contact with the inmate will be notified.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by germs spread through the air between people who are at close proximity, according to the Department of Health. It usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.

Dr. Winona Stoltzfus, the department's regional health officer in southeastern New Mexico, said in the news release that tuberculosis is relatively common in jails where people live in close proximity.

She said most cases of tuberculosis are curable if people follow the proper treatment, which lasts six to nine months and includes two to four antibiotics.

Last year, New Mexico had 60 cases of tuberculosis, up from 51 the year before and 48 in 2005.

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Also on the Web: Tuberculosis information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention