Confirmed case of tuberculosis identified in Kokomo

Howard County health officials said as many as 300 people may have been exposed to a case of tuberculosis (TB) and precautions are being taken to prevent an outbreak.

A case of the contagious bacterial infection was confirmed Monday.  Health officials said the infected woman worked at a Kokomo spa. 

Kathy Oldaker, a nursing coordinator for the Howard County Health Department, estimates up to 40 Howard County residents may have dormant tuberculosis unrelated to the active case.  The infection could remain inactive for years.

Oldaker said the employee of OP Nail & Spa Salon began showing symptoms of the infection around Christmas time.  However, her diagnosis was confirmed early this week.  The woman remains at home in medical quarantine.

At this point, authorities said there is no proof the bacteria has spread.  Health officials speculate TB has been dormant in the patient’s system for 20 years and originated overseas.

State and local health officials are conducting an investigation.  Additionally, the Howard County Health Department will hold a testing clinic next Monday and Tuesday at the Howard Regional Health System.  The clinic will provide a minor skin test and a follow-up visit 72 hours after to determine if the bacteria is present.

TB is highly contagious and can be transferred by breathing in air droplets from a cough or a sneeze of someone with the infection.  The elderly, infants and people with weak immune system are at higher risk of the infection. 

Symptoms of TB include a cough, coughing up blood, excessive sweating, fatigue and a fever.  Additionally, those infected could experience breathing difficulty, chest pain and wheezing.