FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Pam Barrett
(334) 467-8208
On June 10, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) notified officials at the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama of plans to investigate a case of pulmonary tuberculosis identified in a contractor at the Honda plant in Lincoln. ADPH and Honda are working closely to ensure that Honda employees will be screened quickly.
Dr. Burnestine Taylor, Medical Officer, Disease Control and Prevention, stated, “We are working very closely with Honda to develop and implement a screening plan. As with any identified case of tuberculosis in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures.”
ADPH and Honda officials began identifying staff on June 10, who might have been in close contact with the contractor. According to the ADPH, “close contact” is defined generally as spending an extended amount of time with the subject in a physically close environment. Those who were in contact with the individual have been notified and testing begins Tuesday, June 18.
Tuberculosis is a treatable and preventable disease. Persons who were in close contact with the suspect case will be rapidly assessed and appropriate preventive measures taken, according to ADPH officials. The Health Department recommends that only those who were in close contact with the individual need to be tested.
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.