Tuberculosis exposure suspected at hospital nursery
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is alerting the public that tuberculosis exposure was detected after an employee was suspected of having active TB. It could mean months of treatment for potentially-exposed babies.
The employee worked in the area of the newborn nursery. The hospital says although it's unlikely, mothers along with their infants may have been exposed to tuberculosis.
According to the hospital, when officials were notified that the employee was suspected of having active tuberculosis in mid November, the employee was placed on leave.
The hospital contacted those who were in the hospital's Mother & Infant Care Center between mid-August 2015 and mid-November 2015.
“We are committed to the safety of our patients and staff,” said Dr. Stephen Harris, Chair of Pediatrics. “While the risk of infection is low, the consequences of a tuberculosis infection in infants can be severe. That’s why we decided to do widespread testing and start preventative treatments for these infants as soon as possible.”
The hospital says while it's "very unlikely that infants who may have been exposed will come down with the disease, the consequences of infection in infants can be serious."
More than 1,000 people, including a total of 350 infants may have been exposed, along with mothers and employees. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is providing diagnostic testing and preventative daily treatments
All patients, visitors and employees who were potentially exposed have been identified and contacted, according to the hospital.
“This incident is an unfortunate reminder that TB remains an ongoing health concern for our community”, said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer. “The Public Health Department is working closely with our SCVMC colleagues to support their efforts in addressing the needs of their patients and staff. “
The bacteria that causes TB is spread through the air from one person to another when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Only active TB can be spread.
Santa Clara County Medical Center Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Stephen Harris said hospital staff will be talking with each parent about the need to treat their infant with the daily antibiotic isoniazid for six to nine months to prevent infection.
"That's a big deal," Harris said. "That is not something to be taken lightly."
The antibiotic kills tuberculosis and can prevent the infant from becoming ill, hospital officials said.
Harris said isoniazid is effective at preventing tuberculosis from setting up shop in both infants and adults.
None of the 1,056 people potentially exposed will have to pay for screening or treatment, hospital officials said. The cost will be picked up by the medical center, which is owned and operated by the county.
Anyone potentially exposed can call (408) 885-3444 to make an appointment, according to hospital officials.