Amazon Oxnard has active TB 2023

A laborer at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Oxnard has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, but the general population is secure, according to Ventura County Public Health.

Public Health stated in a press release issued on Thursday that the diagnosis was recent and that approximately 180 individuals were potentially exposed.

The VCPH Tuberculosis Program coordinated with Amazon on Monday and Tuesday to notify employees and provide educational programs. Next week, testing for close contacts will be provided at no cost.

An infant from Riverside County tests positive for tuberculosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, TB is predominantly a lung disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted through coughing and sneezing.

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for tuberculosis, although “some forms of the bacteria no longer respond well to treatments,” as noted by the Mayo Clinic.

According to VCPH, TB-infected individuals typically harbor latent bacteria in their bodies, preventing transmission.

However, approximately 10% of those afflicted develop an active infection, allowing the disease to spread.

Thursday, another case of active tuberculosis was reported in a juvenile from Riverside County. The unidentified student from Raymond Cree Middle School in Palm Springs was hospitalized for a short time before being allowed to recover at home.