Kaiser Permanente Hospital Patient Diagnosed With Tuberculosis In Riverside

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A patient at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Hospital was diagnosed with active tuberculosis on Wednesday.

According to the County of Riverside Department of Public Health, officials are working with the hospital to contact employees, physicians, and other patients who may have been exposed to the illness.

The patient is currently receiving treatment for the illness.

The illness is spread by close and prolonged contact with another individual who has active tuberculosis, or by breathing air exhaled by someone who is sick.

Symptoms include a cough with phlegm, unexplained weight loss, fever and fatigue, health officials explained.

If left untreated, tuberculosis can result in serious complications.

According to the Department of Public Health, Kaiser Permanente patients should be screened for the illness.

All hospital employees and physicians are required to be tested for tuberculosis annually.

"The risk of transmission is low," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, county health officer. "Tuberculosis testing is being recommended as a precautionary measure."

Authorities explained screening includes a skin test, followed by a chest x-ray if results test positive.

Anyone that may be concerned about being exposed to tuberculosis may contact their healthcare provider, or the Public Health Department Disease Control at (951) 358-5107.

Kaiser Permanente members can contact member services at (800) 464-4000.

For additional information about tuberculosis, visit the Department of Public Health's website by clicking here.