Tuberculosis results back for Brunswick County Jail

The tuberculosis tests are back for people possibly exposed to the disease in the Brunswick County Jail. Of the four hundred plus tests administered to inmates and employees, 33 people tested positive.

All but two of the positive tests were inmates. They have been quarantined to keep the disease from spreading.

Monday, those who’ve tested positive will have physicals to determine if the TB is active. Tuberculosis is only considered infectious, and active, if it reaches the lungs.

The health department found out about the contamination when a former inmate tested positive for TB, and indicated his old cellmate at the Brunswick County Jail as the possible source.That inmate has active TB, and has been transferred to Raleigh for treatment.