Testing 42 New Mexico Babies Possibly Exposed to Tuberculosis
The New Mexico Department of Health has tested 42 New Mexico babies over two days who may have been exposed to a hospital employee with an active case of Tuberculosis (TB) in the post-partum and newborn nursery area of Providence Hospital in El Paso, Texas between September 2013 and August 2014.
Tuesday, the Department’s Disease Prevention Program provided testing for 16 residents at the Sunland Park Public Health Office, and an additional 26 were tested Wednesday at the Anthony Public Health Office. Test results will be determined today and Friday, September 26th.
Due to patient privacy, no further access will be allowed inside the Sunland Park and Anthony Public Health Offices.
The Department will provide updates as it learns of test results, or if there is a new development in the testing process.
The El Paso Department of Public Health remains the lead agency handling the investigation. The New Mexico Department of Health is providing screening tests for the New Mexico babies who may have come in contact with the hospital worker, and will provide treatment for them if required.
For information contact the El Paso Department of Public Health at 915-771-5702.
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El Departamento de Salud de Nuevo México Realiza Pruebas en 42 Bebés