Introduction 

Airborne pathogens are microscopic bodily germs present in the air.  The specific pathogen we will address is Tuberculosis (TB).  Breathing contaminated air spreads TB.  Exposure does not mean that you have the disease.  A skin test is used to determine if the TB virus is present in your body.   A positive skin test DOES NOT mean that you have or will get TB.  A lung x-ray determines whether you actually have the disease. TB is treatable and curable.  If you are exposed, there are many variables and these instructions are designed to assist you in completing the necessary steps to minimize the effects of exposure. 

What if it is confirmed or I suspect that a detainee has TB?

 If it is confirmed or suspected that a detainee has TB, you need to protect your health as well as those around you.  Surgical TB masks are available and the suspected person should be provided and required to wear a mask.  While voluntary, encourage others to wear a mask.  Persons that wear a mask shall be properly fitted, trained and medically cleared  for respirator usage. Next you need to contact your personal health care provider or Federal Occupational Health (FOH), (619) 557-5038 and have a TB skin test performed.  Ensure that you return to have the test read (generally three days). This will establish a baseline that shows that you were healthy at the time of exposure.  FOH testing is cost-free. ).  Submit a CA-1 (if you know the date and time of exposure.  A CA-2 is utilized if your have a positive skin test during a routine screening. 

What if the skin test is negative?

If the skin teat is negative, you will still need to complete the necessary follow-up test.  The incubation period for TB is ten to twelve weeks after exposure.  If the follow -up skin test is negative most likely you will not develop TB. 

What if the follow-up skin test is positive?

If the follow-up skin test is positive, it does not mean that you have TB. It means that you have the TB virus in your system.  Even with the virus in your system, you may never contract TB or become contagious.  Five to six percent of the general population will have a positive skin test result.  The INS average is four to five percent.  Schedule an appointment with your personal health care provider for a chest X-ray.  Your doctor determines if you have TB.  He will discuss treatment options and tell you if and how long you have to be isolated.  TB is treatable and curable but you must complete all medications prescribed. 

What cost does the service cover?

An accurate paperwork trail of events and medical documentation is imperative in regard to workers compensation issues.  Exposure incidents are not compensable unless the employee develops the actual disease and the employee proves that the disease was a direct result of a documented work-related exposure.  Contact the Office of Workers Compensation Program Specialist at Sector Headquarters for guidance on workers compensation issues.