On Thursday, The U.K. Daily Mail reported that there have been multiple cases of tuberculosis at the migrant shelters in Chicago.
The article reports:
- The Chicago Department of Public Health said ‘a small number of cases’ were reported ‘in a few different shelters’ around the city.
- Health officials confirmed a fifth of Latin American arrivals carry TB, but it usually latent, not contagious, and asymptomatic.
- The TB cases come after 55 measles cases were detected in the city, the majority originating from the Pilsen migrant shelter
The article notes:
‘TB is not a novel or rarely seen illness in Chicago, as the Chicago Department of Public Health typically expects to see between 100-150 cases of tuberculosis in Chicago residents in an average year,’ a statement from CDPH statement reads.
‘We will continue to offer treatment to individuals as necessary and take the proper precautions to eliminate spread, but we do not consider this a matter presenting a substantial threat to the public.’
According to CDPH, between 10 percent and 20 percent of people living in Central and South America have latent tuberculosis (TB), an infection that is asymptomatic and not spread to other people. However, you will still test positive for TB even if you are not exhibiting symptoms.
‘Not everyone who acquires TB will develop an active infection. A percentage or folks will actually develop what we call a latent infection. But that latent TB can then reactivate to become active TB at some point in the future,’ said Hazra.
‘They can still receive anti-TB therapy to make sure that latent infection is fully eradicated.’
In the past, America had controlled, legal immigration. People wanting to come into America went through health screening and had to prove they could support themselves or had people who would sponsor them. What is happening now is not healthy for the country in any way.