TB outbreak in three Oklahoma City nursing homes

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Three nursing home employees and ten patients in Oklahoma City have tested positive for exposure to tuberculosis. <br><br>The nursing home says the disease has now been contained.

Wednesday, December 17th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Three nursing home employees and ten patients in Oklahoma City have tested positive for exposure to tuberculosis.

The nursing home says the disease has now been contained.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department reported yesterday that an employee at the home may have infected four of the patients and two of the employees.

The others likely were exposed elsewhere.

The male employee -- a certified nursing assistant -- is receiving antibiotics.

Others are being urged to start antibiotic treatment.

Left untreated, half of tuberculosis cases are fatal.

Oklahoma had 190 tuberculosis cases in 2002, with 53 of those in Oklahoma County. Seven TB cases were reported in Oklahoma nursing homes in 2002.