Workplace-Based Investigation of Contacts of a Patient With Highly Infectious Tuberculosis – Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia, 2006

Abstract

This report describes an investigation to determine the extent of TB transmission, including identifying and screening exposed contacts of a 46 year-old patient diagnosed with TB, and providing treatment. The report describes the multijurisdictional contact investigation, since the patient traveled to three jurisdictions in the course of his work, and summarizes the results. Findings emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis of TB, the value of interjurisdictional cooperation during contact investigations, and the effectiveness of workplace-based methods for rapidly identifying and screening contacts.