17 Guam inmates test positive for tuberculosis
HAGATNA, Guam (AP) — Prison officials in Guam say 17 inmates have tested positive for tuberculosis.
Jeff Limo, a special assistant to the Department of Corrections director, told the Pacific Daily News (http://bit.ly/1ua9Myv ) that the positive tests come after 60 inmates and guards who tested positive for tuberculosis in April. He says most were cleared based on X-rays.
Limo says more skin tests were given to 140 people at the prison. He says those who tested positive are being X-rayed to see whether they have active tuberculosis.
The tests were prompted by an inmate being diagnosed with the bacteria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says tuberculosis can be fatal if not treated properly. The bacteria is spread through the air, though it can live in the body without making someone sick.
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Information from: Pacific Daily News: http://www.guampdn.com
