Newborns and Mothers at Risk of Tuberculosis Exposure

Newborns and mothers run the risk of contracting tuberculosis after a nurse at an undisclosed hospital in San Jose, Calif. tested positive for the condition. A video report by ABC News states that a total of 350 infants, 368 mothers and 338 staff at the hospital may have been exposed to the bacteria.

According to the hospital officials, the nurse had tested negative during the staff's annual checkup last September. The results of a separate x-ray conducted in November prompted the diagnosis.

Dr. Sara Cody is a health officer at Santa Clara County. Cody told CBS News that only active tuberculosis can spread.

Chair of the pediatrics department at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Dr. Stephen Harris told CBS reporters that tuberculosis is fatal for infants as the bacteria could enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the boy. Harris explained that in older kids and adults, the bacteria stays in the lungs.

Although the nurse had not exhibited any symptoms while working, the hospital is not taking any chances.

As a precaution, the infants will be given antibiotics for up to nine months. The mothers and staff will be monitored but not given any treatment unless they test positive for tuberculosis.

The hospital spent a month consulting other medical experts on how to handle the situation before informing the parents regarding the possible exposure. "We're confident we're addressing the situation with great speed," Harris stated.

In a separate report by the NY Times, individuals who passed through the hospital between August and November have the potential of being infected by tuberculosis. The hospital is in the process of contacting all patients, visitors and hospital staff who could have been exposed to the bacteria.

Screening has already started at the hospital. As of the time of this writing, no one has been infected with tuberculosis.

Part of the screening process for infants involves getting a daily dose of the antibiotic isoniazid. This drug is designed to prevent tuberculosis from taking hold.

Officials at the California hospital say that none of the infants, parents or staff will be asked to pay for the screening or treatments as the medical center will be picking up the bill.

Paul Lorenz is the chief executive for the hospital. He reassures the public that the situation is under control by saying, "Everyone should feel confident that our staff are appropriately screened for tuberculosis and the safety of patients and staff is our top priority."