Louisiana: Nearly 500 Inmates, Jailers Screened for Tuberculosis in Caddo Parish

Bacteria associated with TB have been detected in about 40 prisoners and 10 jailers in the Caddo Parish, Louisiana, jail. Only a handful of those have required treatment, which involves six months of strong antibiotics, said Shelia Wright, health services director for the jail. An inmate tested positive for TB in November, prompting the jail to test 500 inmates and jailers and more than 150 deputies, according to protocol mandated by the Public Health TB Clinic. "Some people have had a positive skin test, which means at some point in their lives they have come in contact with TB bacteria but not necessarily contracted TB," said Wright. She added that there are no active cases of TB at the jail. All of those tested have also been evaluated by the TB clinic. All incoming inmates are tested for TB.

Back to other CDC news for March 3, 2003

Previous Updates