More testing for tuberculosis is being offered in Manchester for people who might have been exposed to someone with the dangerous disease.
The testing is designed for people who might have been exposed to a person with tuberculosis who was at the Families in Transition Adult Shelter and the 1269 Café in Manchester while infectious.
Information collected to date suggests that people who visited the shelter or 1269 Café in January might have a greater risk of being infected with the TB bacteria. Free clinics will be held at 1269 Café at 456 Union Street in Manchester on Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16, both from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Several clinics took place in March, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Of the more than 100 people who were tested at those clinics, five have been diagnosed with latent TB infection and connected to treatment. While latent TB infection does not spread to other people or cause symptoms right away, it can cause illness later in life. Testing is the only way to know if people have been exposed to the TB bacteria and need treatment to prevent sickness.
Symptoms of active TB disease include unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, and a persistent cough that can last for weeks or longer. Anyone who might have been exposed to TB and develops these symptoms should contact DHHS at 603-271-4496. For more information about TB, see DHHS TB webpage.