Possible release of tuberculosis bacteria studied in Baltimore

Authorities responded to reports that a small amount of TB bacteria may have been released at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore on Thursday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The Baltimore Fire Department investigated after a small sample tube of the bacterium was deposited on an internal bridge between two cancer research buildings, according to the hospital. Both buildings were evacuated and the surrounding employees were isolated and had to be badessed by the fire department, hospital spokeswoman Kim Hoppe

said but hospital authorities said there was no risk for patients and hospital staff. "There was a small tube that contained a frozen sample and it was dropped and the lid was detached while the sample was still frozen inside," said Dr. Landon King. , vice-dean at Johns Hopkins. School of Medicine

"In fact, we have determined that there is no risk, that is, no risk, for anyone involved," King said. "So, there is no preventive measure or test that is necessary for anyone in the buildings or on campus as a result of this event."

Tuberculosis bacteria spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits, and can breathe in bacteria and become ill. It is possible to be infected with TB without getting sick, in which case it can still spread.

Symptoms: spitting of blood, fever, chills, night sweats, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss and fatigue. Antibiotic treatment for four to nine months is necessary to treat active disease.

In 2016, 10.4 million people in the world contracted tuberculosis and 1.7 million people were killed according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the same year, 9,272 cases were reported in the United States and preliminary data for 2017 revealed 9,093 cases.