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Health
Advisory
Tuberculosis and Food
Establishments
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The Department of Health
Services, Public Health Programs and Services, offers tuberculosis testing and treatment
to all persons residing in Los
Angeles County at a low cost or for free.
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Public health officials have
been concerned with the increasing numbers of tuberculosis (TB) cases. Officials hope to
decrease the number of TB cases in Los Angeles County by educating the public about the
disease, the use of screening tests, and the treatment of cases. One group that is
targeted are food workers. Tuberculosis is not transmitted to patrons through food;
however, like any other work place, infectious food handlers may transmit their disease to
fellow workers.
TB is caused by a bacterium that in most
people remains inactive for years following first infection. In this stage a person
harbors the organism in the lung but is not contagious. This is why testing for TB is
important. TB may become active and cause a destructive disease of the lungs. In this
active stage, a person shows symptoms and can spread the disease. A worker with active
tuberculosis can spread the disease by sneezing or coughing, which are TB's most common
symptoms. Daily exposures to an infectious person on the job increases risk of
transmission of the disease.
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The Department of Health
Services, Public Health Programs and Services, offers tuberculosis testing and treatment to all persons
residing in Los
Angeles County at a low cost or for free. Public health officials ask that food establishment owners or operators
have their employees tested for TB since the disease is curable with proper treatment.
Food workers are encouraged to contact one of the Public Health Centers listed on the back
of this advisory for the days and hours the TB Clinics are open. For additional
information regarding this disease, contact TB Control at (213) 744-6160.
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 Click here for a list of TB Testing Sites Other Important Information
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Food Handler's Guide
for Retail Food Facilities
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