The Washington woman with acute tuberculosis remains at liberty despite an arrest warrant issued for her. She was diagnosed over a year ago and has continued to refuse treatment or isolate herself from others and is contagious. Local health officials are expected to again obtain a court order on Friday.
saga become public This January, when Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department officials alerted the public to the woman’s ongoing case of tuberculosis. At the time, they succinctly noted that the person refused to complete recommended antibiotic treatment, which can take months to completely clear a bacterial infection. But local reports soon revealed that officials failed to convince her otherwise for more than a year and that the woman repeatedly ignored court orders obtained by the Department of Health to end treatment and/or remain isolated until she was no longer a threat to the public.
Finally, in late February, Pierce County Judge Philip Sorenson issued A civil arrest warrant was issued, and she was expected to be arrested later that week. The local prison where you will be held has special negative pressure rooms intended to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. However, for now, she is still free.
According to court documents obtained by KOMO News and Hinge On Friday, the woman continued to elude authorities. The Pierce County Corrections Office reportedly sent an officer to monitor the woman, hoping to find the safest way to detain her. The officer noted that she continued to leave her home, at one point even taking public transportation to visit an area casino. A court-appointed visitor also said he has not been able to contact the woman or her family since the scheduled appointment in early March.
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It is always hoped that the patient will choose to comply voluntarily in these situations and obtain the necessary treatment to protect themselves and others. We will continue to work through the legal process and all available options,” the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department told KOMO News.
Tuberculosis is rare in the United States at present, but it is still a common disease A major threat to public health worldwide, with an estimated 1.6 million deaths documented in 2021. Many people initially infected with the bacteria do not become ill, but the infection can reappear years later, especially if a person’s immune system is weakened for other reasons. Those with severe symptoms (usually respiratory) are infectious to others, and if left untreated, these conditions can lead to serious complications. Antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis is also becoming a problem, and it is known that starting treatment without completing it can increase the risk of these strains developing.
According to KOMO News, health officials are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, where they will seek the 16th court order mandating the woman’s isolation and treatment, for no more than 45 days.
“It’s not about jail time at all,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Darren Moss, Jr. told KOMO News. “It’s about complying with the orders of the Ministry of Health.”