The Cleveland Clinic is testing an employee for a possible case of tuberculosis.
In a statement, the clinic said there's a "low probability" the employee contracted the potentially serious infectious disease.
The clinic said in a statement:
“We are currently testing an employee who works in our main campus Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for a possible case of tuberculosis which we believe to be a low probability. Preliminary tests are negative and we are continuing to monitor and will have a definitive answer in the coming weeks. The employee is currently on leave, and we are working closely with the Cuyahoga County Health Department. There were no other locations within the Children’s Hospital that were impacted. Out of an abundance of caution, we are proactively reaching out to patients and our employees who may have been exposed from early September through early November of this year. The safety of our patients, caregivers and their families is our top priority. If you have additional questions, please call 216-442-2500.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, tuberculosis can spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air through coughs and sneezes. Symptoms include coughing that lasts three or more weeks, fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.
