December 15, 2007
Small cluster of Tuberculosis confirmed in Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
YKHC Office of Public Relations
A small cluster of tuberculosis (TB) is being monitored and treated in collaboration with the State Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) Division of Public Health Section of Epidemiology. For patient confidentiality purposes, the location area is being withheld.
Dr. Daniel Hartman, Tuberculosis Officer and Family Physician for YKHC, said, "We see no risk for community spread with the present case cluster and have conducted community-wide screenings in coordination with the Public Health Nursing Center."
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually attacking the lungs, however can potentially spread to other organs of the body such as the kidney, blood, and brain. The infection can cause permanent organ damage and death if untreated.
"Adherence to medication is extremely important in order to limit infections," said Hartman. "If individuals stop taking medicine too soon, they run the risk of the bacteria growing back, developing drug resistance, and infecting others."
There are a small number of people treated yearly for TB in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. YKHC is currently involved in the treatment of six active and 10 latent TB cases
A person with latent TB has the bacteria existing in the body, however it is inactive. Latent TB cannot be spread from person to person, however if the germ becomes active or if the immune system weakens, the bacteria can multiply and become active TB. Latent TB is treated to prevent active TB. Once active, the disease can spread through air transmission, usually through coughing or sneezing.
TB bacteria usually grows in the lungs, causing symptoms that include a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, and/or coughing up blood or phlegm from deep inside the lungs.
Dr. Elizabeth Funk, Medical Epidemiologist for the State DHSS and TB Control Officer, has worked closely with YKHC and Public Health providers monitoring the treatment. She recently traveled alongside YKHC and Public Health officials over the weekend, providing education and support for community members.
"We follow each case of TB extremely closely. As soon as a case exists, we are aware, working directly with the families and providers," said Dr. Funk. "All cases are being treated through Direct Observed Therapy (DOT), an international standard of care targeted at ensuring cure of the disease, limiting the spread of the disease as well as the development of drug resistant TB."
As a national system of care, DOT delivers the same treatment plans and medications to affected patients all over the country. YKHC works in collaboration with the State to ensure national standards of care are met.
"Our greatest concern is for our patients," said Dr. Joseph Klejka, Medical Director for YKHC. "Tuberculosis is a preventable and treatable infection and it is through early diagnosis and medical treatment that we can reduce levels of bacteria. It is crucial that we raise awareness of the diagnosis and treatment of the curable infection. Medication is the only treatment for the bacteria, and if untreated it will continue to grow and spread throughout other organs of the body."
TB screenings are done through skin tests and are available through school nurses, local health clinics, subregional clinics, and Public Health or YKHC.
In partnership with the State DHSS and Bethel's Public Health Center, YKHC is continuously surveying TB cases and will inform the public of increased cases.
