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Babies In Solano, Sacramento Hospitals Exposed To Tuberculosis

SACRAMENTO (CBS) – Health officials in Solano and Sacramento counties are notifying the parents of babies who recently spent time in the neonatal intensive care units at two hospitals, after their children were exposed to tuberculosis.

The exposure happened at the NICU at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento and NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield, when a Solano County resident with an active case of TB spent time in both facilities. A total of 35 babies were exposed.

State health officials will also be contacting other patients, visitors and staff who may have been exposed.

"From the medical evidence we have reviewed so far, we believe that the risk of infection with TB in this particular case is low," said Dr. Michael Stacey, Solano County's chief medical officer. "We will take the necessary measures to ensure that all those with significant levels of exposure are tested and, if necessary, treated with antibiotics."

The period of exposure at Sutter Memorial's NICU was from March 14 to March 31. The exposure at NorthBay Medical Center was from April 11 to April 19.

Tuberculosis is a serious, treatable, and slow-growing bacterial lung disease. It is transmitted by coughing, sneezing, talking or singing, according to the state health officials.

People with an active case of tuberculosis may cough, become weak, have a fever, lose weight and cough up blood.

The Solano resident with TB is currently isolated and receiving treatment.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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