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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

US : Tuberculosis occupies Occupy protesters

Via Catholic Online :

" At least two people infected, one with drug resistant strain.

As the weather grows cold, Occupy protesters have started to huddle together inside tent encampments across the country. The close quarters and poor sanitation are now threatening the outbreak of disease.

Already, tuberculosis has been found at the occupy Atlanta camp. Officials from the Fulton County Health Department confirmed last Wednesday that residents at the homeless shelter where the protesters have taken refuge, have contracted a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis. They are warning that homeless persons and protesters occupying the shelter are at risk, since the disease is airborne.

Fulton County Services Director, Matthew McKenna said in a written statement, "Over the last three months there have been two persons who have resided in this facility who have been diagnosed with confirmed or suspected infectious tuberculosis. One of these persons was confirmed to have a strain of TB that is resistant to a single standard medication used to treat this condition. All persons identified as positive have begun treatment and are being monitored to ensure that medication is taken as directed."

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