The Perry County Health Department confirmed late last week that a Perry County resident who is employed at Waupaca Foundry has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis disease. The employee, whose name was not released, is currently on medical leave and receiving treatment.
News of the diagnosis promoted a press release from the company. The county health department is also working with Waupaca.
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium which is spread through the air from one person to another. The Perry County Health Department is following the Indiana State Department of Health protocol including, but not limited to, screenings and contact investigations.
Waupaca Foundry said it is working with its employees in accordance with state protocol and as directed by the Perry County Health Department. TB screenings are being conducted among employees who were in direct contact with the individual.
Health officials in Dubois County say nearby residents shouldn’t worry too much about its spread,
Dubois County Health Department Director Donna Oeding says unless a person is in extremely close contact with someone that has active tuberculosis, they’re at no risk.
Oeding characterized close contact as being in a car with someone, and noted that she is more concerned with the flu season and other respiratory illnesses that pop up when fall arrives.
Individuals not in direct contact, but who are concerned, have been guided to contact their family physician.
