TB patient is forced into medical isolation in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County officials Thursday took the unusual step of forcing a tuberculosis patient into medical isolation when health officials suspected the patient was not taking medication and going to work.

County Public Health Director Jim Lindley and Public Health Officer Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare said it was the first time in the county’s history that such action has been taken.

The patient, whose name and gender were not revealed because of medical privacy rules, was treated for TB in Las Vegas on Aug. 7 before coming to Needles, authorities said. A local doctor treated the patient but county public health workers suspected the person was not taking their medication or remaining in isolation.

County spokesman David Wert said TB patients are supposed to take their medication in front of the doctor and this one didn’t. The patient also was found to be working.

On Aug. 28, the patient was ordered by the county to cease all contact with the public. When the patient didn’t comply, the county took the person into medical custody.

The patient is now being treated at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. County health officers don’t believe the incident will lead to any major increase in TB. There already are 93 cases being treated in San Bernardino County.

Anyone suffering TB symptoms such as fever, weight loss, fatigue, coughing or night sweats should see their doctor.

 david.kelly@latimes.com