The diagnosis of Tuberculosis in a health worker in London created a lot of commotion which led to the testing of more than 200 babies.
TB is a curable disease and is characterized by cough, phlegm, weight loss, fatigue and fevers. It usually affects the lungs but remains dormant for many years. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Obstetric Hospital sent letters to the parents of about 213 babies who were born at the Hospital.Though the health worker was diagnosed to have TB in March the hospital suspects that the health worker would have been ill since December. The hospital is very cautious and is taking all the precautionary measure to protect babies from contracting TB. It has also set up a helpline so that patients can call and clear their doubts. The hospital spokeswoman said that the trust is contacting all patients and staff to offer information, advice and reassurance.
