Positive TB Bacteria Tests Put Indiana On Alert

Positive tests for the tuberculosis bacteria among staff and inmates at a state prison in Pendleton, Ind., and elsewhere around the state have gotten the attention of health officials. Thirty-three new cases of TB had been reported across the state this year, two more than at this time last year, said Paul Britton, who heads the TB control program for the state Department of Health. "We're concerned and watching it," said Putnam County Health Director Robert Heavin. Generally, about 150 Hoosiers are treated for the disease each year. Nine of the new cases have been reported in Marion County and Putnam County has two active cases.

All 1,267 prisoners and 525 employees at the medium-security Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton were tested after two staff members and six inmates tested positive for the TB bacteria during annual examinations in early April, said Pam Pattison, a spokesperson for the state Department of Correction. So far, 50 inmates and 10 employees have tested positive for the TB bacteria, but no active cases have been found, Pattison said. "The good news in all this is that no one is found to have active TB," said Pattison.

Indiana ranked 36th in the nation in the number of TB cases in 2000. The last major state outbreak was in 1998 in LaPorte County, where 22 of the state's 188 cases that year were reported. State prison officials say they are keeping a close watch for new cases. They also will review their initial response and are recommending follow-up tests in July, Pattison said.

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