TB Outbreak at Virginia School has Students, Parents & Faculty Concerned

Cinnaminson, NJ, July 8, 2013
 
Last month, CNN reported about an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) at a high school in Virginia. Three people from the school had tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the type of bacteria that causes the disease. 430 people from the school were contacted by the local health department and many were tested to see if they too were exposed.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.” The CDC goes to report, “The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.” 
 
Worldwide, healthcare providers have been keeping a close eye on reports of a growing worldwide pandemic of tuberculosis (TB). Special attention has been given to multi drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) cases of the disease.
 
One company that has extensive experience in testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL we utilizes highly sensitive real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from environmental samples,” reported Charles Li, Ph.D., Director of PCR and DNA Analysis at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Air samples are collected on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter cassettes. Information from these tests allows people and infection control professionals to quickly identify potential exposure routes to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.”
 
EMSL has sponsored an educational video about TB and Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/u7o93nmgp1E
 
To learn more about testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis or other microbial pathogens and contaminants, please contact EMSL Analytical at www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, microbial pathogen, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com