CDC: Potential contamination by drug-resistant TB.

[Reality's Fringe]

ZOMG, we're teh doomed:

Public Health investigation seeks people who may have been exposed to extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) infected person.
WHO:

Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director, CDC
Dr. Martin Cetron, Director, CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine
Dr. Kenneth Castro, Director, CDC Division of Tuberculosis Elimination
WHAT:

Release of information about the action and steps that CDC is taking in response to a case of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) in a U.S. citizen who undertook international travel. XDR TB is a recently defined subtype of multi-drug resistant TB and can cause severe illness and death.
WHY:

Like all forms of TB, XDR TB is a disease caused by germs that are spread person-to-person through the air. In this case, the infected patient traveled on two trans-Atlantic air flights and in doing so, may have exposed passengers and crew to XDR TB. A federal quarantine order has been issued and CDC is currently collaborating with U.S. state and local health departments, international Ministries of Health, the airline industry, and WHO.
WHEN:

Tuesday, May 29, 2007, 2 p.m. ET
Brief remarks followed by Q&A
Dial-in:

* US Media: 1-888-795-0855
* International: 210-234-0025
* Passcode: CDC Media

[Scobie]

I would normally make a joke about how, dude, I was totally making out with Julie Gerberding the other night. However, this is grim news indeed and deserves a more serious discussion with an eye brow raised more highly.

There was also a recent burst of bubonic plague amongst some monkeys, wasn't there? Yup, feelin' like the end times with the pestilence and death 'round here. Knuckle under, y'all.

[seanw]

That looks exactly like the launch of an ARG.

[VanillaGorilla]

Looks like we have this summers Bird Flu! Bring on the "How can you protect YOUR family from XDR TB?" episodes of Dateline!

[camoor]

This has basically been caused by treating homeless people for TB, right?

They never take all their meds...

[dopa345]

This has basically been caused by treating homeless people for TB, right?

They never take all their meds...

Of course it's the homeless people. After all they take transatlantic flights all the time.

[Zen Davis]

Damn transatlantic homeless people!

*shakes fist!*

[camoor]

Of course it's the homeless people. After all they take transatlantic flights all the time.

I didn't say American homeless.

I heard a story about how the Pope used to sit in the middle of a circle of flames during the Bubonic plague to ward off the sickness. I'd rather opt for the "Andromeda strain" bunker though.

[evanft]

Damn transatlantic homeless people!

*shakes fist!*

Damn anti-fist shaking laws!!!

[LinkinPrime]

So what country/state/city did this happen?

[dopa345]

So what country/state/city did this happen?

The guy is currently being quarantined in Atlanta, GA. It does beg the question about the ethics of forcible quarantine even though this guy was an irresponsible douche that knowingly travelled around the world even though he knew he had treatment resistant TB.

[Gothic Walrus]

The guy is currently being quarantined in Atlanta, GA. It does beg the question about the ethics of forcible quarantine even though this guy was an irresponsible douche that knowingly travelled around the world even though he new he had treatment resistant TB.
In that case, he brought it on himself. Continuing with that line of thought, it's hard for me to feel bad for him because I'd say the needs of many in this situation definitely outweigh the needs of one.

[dopa345]

In that case, he brought it on himself. Continuing with that line of thought, it's hard for me to feel bad for him because I'd say the needs of many in this situation definitely outweigh the needs of one.

Still, either he's risk to the public or not. If he is a risk, then they should have quarantined him immediately on diagnosis rather than let him walk around and hop on a flight. I'm sure he's come into contact with hundreds of people in the U.S. just by walking around unrestricted. I'm a bit surprised at the half-baked way the CDC is handling this.

[Krymner]

He knew he had this disease and was told not to leave the country. He flew to Italy anyway for a wedding. He was told by the CDC to wait there and they would come get him, but he booked a flight and flew coach back to the states. What a douche.:dunce:

He's supposed to be in Atlanta (where I live) now at the CDC building. I've been to the CDC building...well, at least to the fence that surrounds the building. The place looks like a fort. I don't think he's gonna get out anytime soon. GOOD. :applause:

If I was on that plane and caught TB from this jerk, I would sue faster than you could say "ghezuntite." :puke: