Alabama: Corrections Officials Confirm TB Case in Work-Release Inmate

Alabama corrections and health officials are refusing to release details on how a work-release inmate diagnosed with TB was allowed to work at a Mobile restaurant. Corrections officials confirmed that the inmate -- whom they did not identify -- worked at a Barnhill's Buffet in the city for about five months. State health officials say they are performing tests on everyone the inmate could have encountered, including other inmates and restaurant employees. Health officials say it is highly unlikely that customers would have been infected. The Mobile Register, which reported the inmate TB case, said the case follows criticism that the corrections department has problems tracking and treating inmates infected with severe diseases, including TB and HIV. Nancy Keenon, who supervises TB cases for the state Department of Public Health, said the case should serve as a wake-up call for officials. Prison officials refused to comment until the supervisor of TB surveillance programs returns from vacation.

Back to other news for August 4, 2003