La Division De Salud Publica Y El Distrito Escolar De Indian River Anuncian La Respuesta A TB En La Escuela Primaria De Georgetown

La División de Salud Pública (DPH) y el distrito escolar de Indiana River anunció hoy que aproximadamente 50 individuos en la escuela primaria de Georgetown en el condado de Sussex County han estado expuestos a alguien con tuberculosis activa (TB) DPH está haciendo contacto con aquellas personas para ofrecer pruebas de TB gratuitas, así como tratamiento si es necesario. Para proteger la privacidad médica, no se proporcionará ninguna información adicional con respecto a la fuente de la infección o de los individuos que necesitan las pruebas.

Mientras que el riesgo de transmisión es bajo, la recomendación médica es que aquellos que han sido expuestos and han sido infectados con la bacteria de la TB deben ser tratados de manera que ellos no desarrollen la enfermedad de la TB. DPH y la administración del distrito escolar se reunieron el lunes para proporcionarles información acerca de la TB y los pasos a seguir. Cartas con información acerca de las pruebas y una hoja de datos estarán siendo enviadas a las casas hoy con los estudiantes que han sido identificados para realizar las pruebas. Para el resto de familias en la escuela, una carta con información general y hoja de datos serán enviadas a casa con los estudiantes.

“Nosotros entendemos que esta noticia puede ser preocupante para los padres y la comunidad. Yo estoy agradecida con el Distrito Escolar de Indian River y el equipo de trabajo de la escuela primaria de Georgetown quienes han estado trabajando muy cerca con nosotros,” dice la directora de DPH Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Las cartas claramente indican que estudiantes han sido identificados para realizar las pruebas de TB. Situaciones como estas son un recordatorio que TB sigue estando activa en nuestro estado y es importante realizar las pruebas a aquellas personas que pueden estar en riesgo de la enfermedad.

TB es una bacteria que se puede inhalar hacia los pulmones de otros cuando están cerca a una persona con una forma activa de tos de la enfermedad (conocida como TB activa) por medio de estornudos, cantos o risas. Personas con la enfermedad de TB son más propensos a transmitir la enfermedad a personas con las cuales pasan la mayoría del tiempo todos los días, como familiares y otras personas viviendo en la misma casa, amigos cercanos, y compañeros de trabajo. TB no se transmite a través del contacto de saludo de manos, tocando, compartiendo comida o bebidas, cubiertos, ropa de cama, sillas de los baños, cepillo de dientes, o saliva atreves de un beso.

“En consulta con a División de Salud Pública, creemos que el riesgo de transmisión en este caso es bajo,” El superintendente del distrito escolar de Indian River, Mark Steele dijo. “sin embargo, como mediada de precaución nos unimos a DPH en recomendar que ciertos individuos se realicen la prueba de TB. Nosotros hemos facilitado las pruebas para estos individuos que se han identificado que necesitan la prueba de TB. El distrito escolar de Indian River se compromete a adoptar todas las precauciones posibles para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de los estudiante, personal y padres.

No todo el personal que han estado expuestas a alguien con la enfermedad de TB se infectan. En aquellos que tienen un resultado positivo, hay dos tipos de TB. Una es “tuberculosis latente”, donde el germen está dormido en el cuerpo. La persona no está enferma y no puede propagar los gérmenes a otros. Se proporcionan medicinas para matar el germen que está dormido de manera que la persona no se enferme en el futuro.

La segunda forma de Tb es “enfermedad active de la tuberculosis”, en la cual el germen de TB ha enfermado a la persona. Si se deja sin tratamiento, esto puede resultar en una enfermedad grave. Medicinas están disponibles para matar el germen en la forma activa de TB, también, y cura el paciente. Alrededor de un 5% al 10% del personal infectado con la bacteria de la TB desarrollaran la enfermedad en algún punto de sus vidas; más dentro de los primeros dos años después de que la infección ocurre.

Signos y síntomas de la TB pueden incluir una tos progresiva que tiende a emporar y puede durar más de dos semanas, fatiga, debilidad, pérdida de peso, sudoración nocturna, fiebre, escalofrío, y dolor en el pecho. La TB puede afectar cualquier órgano del cuerpo, pero es infeccioso para otros solo cuando esto ocurre en el pulmón la laringe (cuerdas bocales)

TB generalmente está disminuyendo en todo el país, pero la vigilancia es importante. Delaware tuvo 16 casos de la enfermedad de TB (también conocida como “tuberculosis activa” en 2016 y 15 en 2017.

Para información adicional sobre la tuberculosis, visite el centro de control y prevención en: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/esp/default.htm o la división de salud pública en https:// www.DHSS.Delaware.gov/DHSS/DPH?files/tbfaq.pdf.

Una persona que es sorda o que tiene problemas de audición o con incapacidad puede llamar puede llamar al número de teléfono DPH por encima mediante servicios de TTY. Marque 7-1-1 o 800-232-5460 para escribir su conversación a un operador de retransmisión, que lee la conversación a una persona de la audiencia en la DPH. El operador de retransmisión tipos de palabras de la persona de la audiencia hacia el usuario de TTY. Para obtener más información acerca de la disponibilidad de TTY en Delaware, visite http://delawarerelay.com.

Servicios sociales y salud de Delaware se ha comprometido a mejorar la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos de Delaware por promoción de la salud y el bienestar, fomentar la autosuficiencia y proteger a las poblaciones vulnerables. DPH, una división de DHSS, insta a los residentes de Delaware para hacer opciones más saludables con el 5-2-1 casi ninguno campaña: comer 5 o más frutas y verduras cada día, tienen no más de 2 horas de tiempo en pantalla recreo cada día (incluye TV, ordenador, juegos de azar), obtener 1 o más horas de actividad física cada día y no beber casi bebidas azucaradas.


Division of Public Health and Indian River School District Announce TB Response at Georgetown Elementary School

DOVER – The Division of Public Health (DPH) and Indian River School District announced today that approximately 50 individuals at Georgetown Elementary School in Sussex County may have been exposed to someone with active tuberculosis (TB). DPH is making contact with those individuals to offer free screenings, as well as treatment if needed. To protect medical privacy, no additional information will be provided regarding the source of the infection or the individuals who need testing.

While the risk of transmission is low, the medical guidance is that those who have been exposed and become infected with TB bacteria should be treated so they do not develop TB disease. DPH and the school’s administrators met with staff on Monday to provide them with information on TB and next steps. Letters with information on testing and a fact sheet are being sent home today with students who have been identified for testing. For the remainder of families in the school, a general information letter and fact sheet are being sent home with students. 

“We understand that this news can be concerning to parents and the community. I am grateful to the Indian River School District and the team at Georgetown Elementary School who are working closely with us,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “The letters clearly indicate which students have been identified for testing. Situations such as these are a reminder that TB is still active in our state and it’s important to test those who may be at risk for the disease.”

TB is a bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs of others when a nearby person with an active form of the disease coughs (known as TB disease or active TB), sneezes, sings or laughs. People with TB disease are most likely to spread the disease to people they spend time with every day, such as family or other household members, close friends, and coworkers. TB is not spread by shaking hands, touching, sharing food or drink, utensils, bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes, or saliva from kissing.

“In consulting with the Division of Public Health, we believe the risk of transmission in this case to be low,” Indian River School District Superintendent Mark Steele said. “However, as a precautionary measure, we join DPH in recommending that certain individuals be tested for the disease. We have facilitated testing for those individuals determined to be in need of screening. The Indian River School District is committed to taking every possible precaution to assure the health and safety of students, staff and parents.”

Not all people who are exposed to someone with TB disease become infected. In those who do have a positive test result, there are two forms of TB. One is “latent TB,” where the germ is “asleep” in the body. The person is not sick and cannot spread the germs to others. Medication is provided to kill the “sleeping” germ so the person does not become sick in the future.

The second form is “active TB disease,” in which the TB germ has made the person sick. Left untreated, this can result in serious illness. Medication is available to kill the germs in the active form of TB, too, and cure the patient. About 5 percent to 10 percent of persons infected with TB bacteria will develop the disease at some time in their lives; most within the first two years after the infection occurs.

Signs and symptoms of TB may include a progressively worsening cough that lasts more than two weeks, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills and chest pain. TB can affect any bodily organ, but is infectious to others only when it occurs in the lungs or larynx (voice box).

TB is generally on the decline throughout the country but vigilance is important. Delaware had 16 cases of TB disease (also known as “active TB”) in 2016, and 15 in 2017.

For additional information on tuberculosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm or the Division of Public Health at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/tbfaq.pdf.

En Espanol: https://news.delaware.gov/2018/09/25/la-division-de-salud-publica-y-el-distrito-escolar-de-indian-river-anuncian-la-respuesta-tb-en-la-escuela-primaria-de-georgetown/

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


DPH Issues Reminder of Open Testing Dates for TB; Announces Call Center to Close Friday, June 1, 2018

DOVER — The Division of Public Health (DPH) is continuing its efforts to encourage former residents and employees of the ManorCare Health Services Foulk Road facility in Wilmington, between January and September 2017, to be tested for tuberculosis (TB). On May 25, 2018, DPH announced hundreds of individuals at the facility may have been exposed to a person with active TB during the nine-month period. While the risk for transmission of TB is usually not high, DPH has been contacting former patients and employees via letters and phone calls to encourage them to seek free TB testing at DPH clinics located in one of three Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) State Service Centers.

DPH will offer three open testing days at its clinic at the Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Road, Newark, as the overwhelming majority of former staff and residents live in New Castle County. The open testing dates are June 4-6, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Testing is for walk-ins only on these days.

DPH opened a call center on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, to follow up with individuals who had been sent a letter and answer any questions, as well as to field questions from the public. As the number of incoming calls has decreased significantly since the opening, DPH is announcing that the call center will cease operations at 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 1, 2018. A recorded message on the call center line will instruct callers to contact the DPH TB Elimination Program with any questions at 302-744-1050.

Former staff and residents who cannot come to one of the open testing dates in Newark, or who live in Kent or Sussex counties and need an appointment are also asked to contact the TB Program and provide their contact information to staff. Residents in New Castle County will receive a call back from Hudson State Service Center staff to schedule an appointment. In Kent County, staff from Williams State Service Center in Dover will return calls to schedule appointments there, and in Sussex County, Adams State Service Center staff in Georgetown will return calls to schedule appointments there.

“We continue to actively encourage those who may have been exposed to tuberculosis to get tested as TB infection is treatable with medication that can prevent it from turning into full-blown, spreadable TB disease,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “I would also like to thank our DPH call center operators who generously volunteered their time to assist us with our response efforts for their service.”

The individual considered to be the source of the exposure was not diagnosed with active TB until April 2018 when the person sought medical treatment for feeling extremely ill. TB is a reportable disease in Delaware and the health care facility that made the diagnosis reported it to DPH as required.

TB is a bacterium that can be inhaled into the lungs of others when a nearby person with the active disease coughs, sneezes, sings or laughs. People with TB disease are most likely to spread the disease to people they spend time with every day, such as family or other household members, close friends, and coworkers. Signs and symptoms of TB may include a progressively worsening cough that lasts more than two weeks, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills and chest pain. TB can affect any bodily organ but is infectious to others only when it occurs in the lungs or larynx (voice box).

Only people with TB symptoms can spread the disease. TB is not spread by casual or brief contact such as shaking hands, touching, sharing food or drink, utensils, bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or saliva from kissing.

TB disease is treatable and curable, usually by taking several medications for six to nine months. About 5 percent to 10 percent of persons infected with TB if untreated will develop the disease at some time in their lives; most within the first two years after the infection occurs.

In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing. The bacteria become inactive, but they remain alive in the body and can become active later. This is called latent TB infection. People with latent TB infection cannot spread TB bacteria to others. People who have latent TB infection can be treated to prevent TB disease from developing.

For more information on tuberculosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm. For more information on the DPH Tuberculosis Elimination Program, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/tbservices.html.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


DPH Announces TB Response at Wilmington Long-Term Care Facility

DOVER – The Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today that over 600 individuals may have been exposed to someone with active tuberculosis (TB) at the ManorCare Health Services Foulk Road facility during a nine-month period in 2017. Consistent with routine Division TB protocols, the agency is sending out letters to former residents and staff of the facility who may have been exposed to the infected individual between January and September 2017. DPH is also following up with phone calls to provide information on free testing and treatment at one of its three clinics in Newark, Dover, and Georgetown.

While the risk of transmission is usually not high, DPH is recommending that those who have been exposed, and test positive after a TB skin or blood test, receive further medical evaluation and treatment so they do not develop complications from TB disease. The Division is providing free screenings and treatment to former residents and employees of the facility receiving the letters. The facility is providing testing and treatment to current staff and residents who may have been exposed during January and September 2017.

To enable staff to reach the large number of individuals who may have been exposed, DPH is opening a call center at its State Health Operations Center in Smyrna. The call center staff will begin making follow-up calls and taking questions from concerned former residents and staff of the facility at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The call center will remain open until the bulk of concerns and questions have been addressed. Hours may be adjusted to accommodate for peak volume. Any changes will be communicated through press release and social media communications.

The call center number is 1-866-408-1899. As a reminder it will be available starting at 9 a.m., Tuesday May, 29, 2018.

“This is an all hands-on-deck approach for us,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “The most important thing we want people to know is that TB is treatable. That’s why it’s so important for us to reach out to all former residents and staff, to encourage them to get tested as soon as possible. Manor house leadership is working closely with the DPH and taking every measure necessary to protecting the health of its residents and staff.”
DPH will offer three open testing days at its clinic at the Hudson State Service Center (HSSC), 501 Ogletown Road, Newark, as the overwhelming majority of former staff and residents live in New Castle County. The open testing dates are June 4, 5 and 6, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Testing is for walk-ins only on these days.

Anyone who cannot come to one of the open testing dates should call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899. Additionally, former staff and residents who live in Kent or Sussex counties are also asked to contact the Call Center, and provide their contact information to staff. Residents in Kent County will receive a call back from Williams State Service Center staff in Dover to schedule an appointment there. Residents in Sussex will receive a call back from Adams State Service Center staff in Georgetown to schedule an appointment there.

Residents in all three counties are asked to bring the letter they received from DPH when they arrive at any site for testing. Any former resident whose mobility makes getting to the clinic sites a challenge, is also asked to call the DPH Call Center to discuss testing options.

Thirty-five former staff and residents are currently living in seven other states. In addition to sending these individuals letters, DPH is coordinating with the states’ public health agencies to ensure the individuals are provided information on the closest public health testing clinic to them.

TB is generally on the decline throughout the country – with 9,557 cases nationwide in 2015 – but vigilance is important. Delaware had 22 cases of TB disease (also known as “active TB”) in 2015, 16 in 2016, 16 in 2017, and seven to date in 2018. As opposed to the latent kind, TB disease cases are defined as having the symptoms of the illness and potentially being able to spread it to others.

TB is a bacterium that can be inhaled into the lungs of others when a nearby person with the active disease coughs, sneezes, sings or laughs. People with TB disease are most likely to spread the disease to people they spend time with every day, such as family or other household members, close friends and coworkers. Signs and symptoms of TB may include a progressively worsening cough that lasts more than two weeks, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills and chest pain. TB can affect any bodily organ but is infectious to others only when it occurs in the lungs or larynx (voice box).
Only people with TB symptoms can spread the disease. TB is not spread by casual or brief contact such as shaking hands, touching, sharing food or drink, utensils, bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or saliva from kissing.

TB disease is treatable and curable, usually by taking several medications for six to nine months. About 5 percent to 10 percent of persons infected with TB if untreated will develop the disease at some time in their lives; most within the first two years after the infection occurs.

In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing. The bacteria become inactive, but they remain alive in the body and can become active later. This is called latent TB infection. People with latent TB infection cannot spread TB bacteria to others. People who have latent TB infection can be treated to prevent TB disease from developing.

For additional information on tuberculosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm. For more information on DPH’s tuberculosis Elimination Program visit: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/tbservices.html.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


Division of Public Health and Indian River School District Announce TB Response at Howard T. Ennis School

DOVER – The Division of Public Health (DPH) and Indian River School District announced today that a small number of individuals may have been exposed to someone with active tuberculosis (TB) as part of being transported to and from the Howard T. Ennis School. DPH is making contact with those individuals to offer free screenings, as well as treatment if needed. To protect medical privacy, no additional information will be provided on the active TB case or the individuals who need testing.

While the risk of transmission is low, the medical guidance is that those who have been exposed and become infected with the TB bacteria should be treated so they do not develop TB disease. DPH began the outreach Monday afternoon via phone call and a letter to the small number of individuals who need testing. The outreach continues today.

“At the Division of Public Health, we understand that this news can be concerning to parents and the community. I am grateful to the Indian River School District and the team at Ennis who are working closely with us,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We have reached out to the small number of individuals who need testing. If someone does not hear from us by letter or phone, they have no reason to get tested. This situation is a good reminder that TB is still active in our community and it’s important to test those who may be at risk for the disease.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following people get tested for TB:

  • People who have may have been exposed to someone who has TB disease.
  • People from a continent or country where TB disease is common, including but not limited to, Eastern Europe, Russia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
  • People who live or work in high-risk settings (for example, correctional facilities, long-term care facilities or nursing homes, and homeless shelters).
  • Health care workers who care for patients at increased risk for TB disease.
  • Infants, children and adolescents exposed to adults who are at increased risk for latent tuberculosis infection or TB disease.

“In consulting with the Division of Public Health, we believe the risk of transmission in this case to be low,” Indian River School District Superintendent Mark Steele said. “However, as a precautionary measure, we join DPH in recommending that certain individuals be tested for the disease. We have facilitated testing for those individuals determined to be in need of screening. The Indian River School District is committed to taking every possible precaution to assure the health and safety of students, staff and parents.”

TB is generally on the decline throughout the country – with 9,557 cases nationwide in 2015 – but vigilance is important. Delaware had 22 cases of TB disease (also known as “active TB”) in 2015, 16 in 2016, and 10 to date in 2017. As opposed to the latent kind, TB disease cases are defined as having the symptoms of the illness and potentially being able to spread it to others.

TB is a bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs of others when a nearby person with the active disease coughs, sneezes, sings or laughs. People with TB disease are most likely to spread the disease to people they spend time with every day, such as family or other household members, close friends, and coworkers. Signs and symptoms of TB may include a progressively worsening cough that lasts more than two weeks, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, chills, and chest pain. TB can affect any bodily organ, but is infectious to others only when it occurs in the lungs or larynx (voice box).

Most people who are infected with the TB bacteria will have a positive TB test, but will never develop symptoms and cannot spread the disease to other individuals. Only people with TB symptoms can spread the disease. TB is not spread by shaking hands, touching, sharing food or drink, utensils, bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes, or saliva from kissing.

TB disease is treatable and curable, usually by taking several medications for 6 to 9 months. About 5 percent to 10 percent of persons infected with TB bacteria will develop the disease at some time in their lives; most within the first two years after the infection occurs.

In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing. The bacteria become inactive, but they remain alive in the body and can become active later. This is called latent TB infection. People with latent TB infection cannot spread TB bacteria to others. People who have latent TB infection can be treated to prevent TB disease from developing.

For additional information on tuberculosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.