Tuberculosis outbreak reaches transgender community

(Atlanta-AP) -- Federal health officials are trying to stop an outbreak of tuberculosis in what's termed the transgender community.<br><br>It's a term that refers to cross-dressers as well as those

Thursday, April 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Atlanta-AP) -- Federal health officials are trying to stop an outbreak of tuberculosis in what's termed the transgender community.

It's a term that refers to cross-dressers as well as those who have undergone sex-change procedures and individuals who plan to do
so.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says 26 people have come down with the illness. Thirty-seven others have dormant
infections.

A C-D-C spokeswoman says some of the infected people may have caught T-B while traveling around the Northeast attending drag
queen shows.

A doctor treating one of the cases also has been infected.

The C-D-C says the infected people live in Baltimore and New York.

The agency is urging anyone who circulates in this social network to see a doctor.