West Virginia: Man Ordered to Receive TB Treatment

The judge, lawyers, witnesses and court staff all wore masks during a hearing in which a Kanawha County, W.Va., man was committed against his will for treatment of TB. Kanawha County Circuit Judge Irene Berger ruled Tuesday that the threat to public health was too serious and ordered Stephen R. Mitchell of Clendenin into the custody of state health officials. Mitchell, whose illness isn't considered a severe case, will be treated at Pinecrest Hospital in Beckley until health officials are sure he no longer poses a public health threat. Mitchell was diagnosed with the disease several months ago after an unrelated hospital visit. Dr. J.D. Felson testified that if Mitchell had not missed earlier appointments, he could have been treated on an outpatient basis. Seven West Virginia residents currently are being treated for the disease, state health officials said.

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