Kent TB healthcare worker risk 'low'
Over 30,000 patients and staff in Kent have been sent letters regarding the news that a healthcare worker has been diagnosed with infectious TB.
However, the risk of having contracted the disease is very low, the Health Protection Agency warned, but those "whose own medical history may make them more vulnerable" may have to be screened.
"We want to reassure people that there is very little risk of contracting TB in this way but we want to keep them informed of the situation," said Kent Health Protection Unit director, Dr Mathi Chandrakumar.
"Those who need to be screened, possibly because of their own medical condition or reduced immunity, will be informed and will have appointments at a chest clinic arranged for them in the next week or so.
"It is important to remember this does not mean they have active disease and that TB infection is completely treatable with antibiotics."
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