An active case of tuberculosis at a YMCA in Omaha, Nebraska has prompted an investigation by the local health department. More than 500 possible exposures to the potentially deadly bacteria have been identified, with the focus of the investigation being on young children who were part of the YMCA’s drop-in child care program. The Douglas County Health Department is now urging anyone who had close contact with the infected person from May 30 through Oct. 30 to get tested for tuberculosis bacteria.
Tuberculosis, which spreads through the air when someone with an active case coughs, sneezes, or speaks, can result in a serious illness that affects the lungs and other organs. The infected person, who was diagnosed over the weekend, was part of the day care program at the YMCA and has a case of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Dr. Kari Neemann, a medical advisor for the Douglas County Health Department, expressed optimism that there isn’t a risk to the larger community. However, due to the potential severity of the infection, the department is recommending infants and young children who were exposed to get a chest X-ray, a tuberculosis test, and a course of antibiotics as a preventative measure.
The YMCA of Greater Omaha is cooperating with the health department’s investigation and has used attendance records to determine which children or staff may have been exposed. The organization is making arrangements for the affected individuals to receive testing and treatment. Close contacts are considered to be those who were in the same room as the patient, while others who had brief exposures in areas such as cafeterias, hallways, restrooms, or gymnasiums are not at risk.
It is being recommended that kids under age 5 who were exposed to the infected patient within the last 10 weeks receive testing and treatment. Clinics are being held to administer tests, X-rays, and treatment, and there is an emphasis on early detection and proactive measures to prevent the spread of the infection. Anyone who was in close contact with the patient from late May until August 21 has been urged to get tested at clinics held from Nov. 15-17 at the organization’s Westview facility.