A Tacoma woman with Tuberculosis (TB) could be arrested on Friday if she continues to refuse treatment in a rare move from the health department. FOX13
Last week, a judge issued an arrest warrant for the woman who is refusing treatment. While TB is not easily spread, it's considered enough of a threat to the public that theto get patients into treatment, though it's rarely been done.TB is curable with medication but if left untreated, results in death. People with active, untreated infections are contagious and represent a risk to others, according to the health department.
"We are always hopeful that a patient will choose voluntary compliance in these situations and get the treatment needed to protect themselves and others. We will continue to work through the legal process and all options available," the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said in a statement earlier this month. .
The woman will be arrested by law enforcement on or after Friday, March 3 and will be taken to a "specially designated facility at the Pierce County Jail for isolation, testing and treatment," according to the health department. If the woman complies before March 3, the health department may ask the courts to lift the arrest warrant. A court hearing is scheduled for March 2. There are, on average, about 20 cases of active TB per year in Pierce County. These infections usually impact the lungs, but it can be found in other parts of the body. Active TB is not common in the United States.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tacoma woman with TB facing arrest for refusing treatment“After 15 court hearings, we are closing in on our last option,' said Nigel Turner, division director of Communicable Disease Control in Pierce County.
Read more »
Tacoma pharmacy pays $80,000 settlement for alleged violationsA Tacoma pharmacy accused of violating parts of the Controlled Substance Act has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle.
Read more »
Man and dog shot in a tent in TacomaA man and dog were found shot in a tent by Tacoma Mall Boulevard on Tuesday.
Read more »
Tacoma shooting: 1 arrested after man and his dog killed inside tentPolice are investigating a homicide in South Tacoma, after a man and his dog were shot and killed inside their tent on Tuesday. FOX13
Read more »