FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Pam Barrett, (334) 467-8208
On Aug. 6, 2014, Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) officials notified the management of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International of plans to investigate a case of pulmonary
tuberculosis (TB) identified in a team member of the facility in Vance, Ala. ADPH and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International are working closely to ensure that the individuals potentially exposed are evaluated quickly.
TB is a treatable and preventable airborne disease. Persons who were in close contact with the case will be rapidly assessed and appropriate preventive measures taken, according to ADPH officials. Only those people who were in close contact with the case need to be tested.
“Testing and evaluation of individuals in close contact with the TB case will begin Friday, Aug. 8,” stated Pam Barrett, director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Tuberculosis
Control Division. “Close contact” is defined generally as spending an extended amount of time with the subject in a physically close environment.
“As with all identified cases of TB in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures,” stated Dr. Albert T. White, Area Health Officer, Public Health Area 3.
For additional information, contact Pam Barrett at (334) 467-8208.
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