Entrepreneur with a Honda factory diagnosed with tuberculosis

Tuberculosis was diagnosed in a contractor at Honda Manufacturing in Alabama.

Lincoln auto plant officials said today that the subcontractor had been diagnosed by their personal physician and was currently receiving treatment for the disease.

The Alabama Public Health Department said it informed Honda Monday that it was planning to investigate the case. On the same day, ADPH and the company began identifying staff members likely to have been in close contact with the infected person.

"HMA cooperates fully with health officials in this action. There was no impact on the production of HMA, "said a spokeswoman for Honda.

According to ADPH, a "close contact" is defined as a time spent with the person in a "physically close environment".

ADPH made a site visit Wednesday at the factory, in accordance with its policy, said Honda officials. Honda and ADPH both work to select employees and implement tests, investigations and preventative controls. Those who have come into contact with the infected contractor have been warned and testing will begin next Tuesday.

Tuberculosis is treatable and preventable. Health department officials say only those who are in close contact with the person should be tested.

"We are working closely with Honda to develop and implement a screening plan," said Burnestine Taylor, physician responsible for disease prevention and control at ADPH.

Honda employs approximately 4,500 people at its Lincoln plant. The company has referred all questions to ADPH, invoking human rights in privacy matters.