TB Cases Reported at Tunica Casino

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is confirming two recent cases of active tuberculosis (TB) at two casinos in Tunica.

The two cases are in employees of the casinos, and the MSDH has been working closely with the casinos to identify other individuals who were in close contact with the cases. The individuals are not currently at the casinos.

“This is typical protocol for any TB investigation we do in Mississippi. Once we detect a case of active TB, we identify close contacts of the case, perform testing to identify those who are potentially infected, and begin their treatment immediately,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs.

“No individuals from the general public have been identified as close contacts, and we have absolutely no reason to believe there has been transmission to any of the casino patrons. In fact, because of ventilation systems in these facilities, a casino is one of the least likely locations for transmission through casual contact,” said Dr. Dobbs.

“Both casinos have been incredibly cooperative and proactive in handling this situation,” he said. “We’ve been able to quickly arrange testing for employees at both of the casinos involved.”

Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Testing immediate contacts for TB exposure is a common function of the MSDH. Last year, 65 cases of TB were confirmed in Mississippi. Mississippi’s new case rate for TB remains below the national average.

While anyone can get TB, some groups are at higher risk, especially persons with HIV or other immunosuppressive condition, diabetics, smokers, those undergoing chemotherapy and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

TB is curable and preventable, though some drug-resistant strains of TB are more difficult to treat. Treatment for TB infection typically takes from 12 weeks to 9 months, depending on the drugs used.