Nigel Turner, Director of Infectious Diseases, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, said: Control, statement.
Health officials filed the matter in county court for the 16th time on February 24. Or voluntarily isolate yourself,” Turner said.
Sorenson’s warrant authorized law enforcement to detain an unidentified woman and transfer her to a Pierce County facility for isolation, testing, and treatment. County health officials Saturday declined to confirm whether the woman was already in custody.
“Defendant’s objection to the February 24, 2023 order has been recorded and preserved and is deemed insufficient to change the court’s order.” Sorenson saidIt added that those transporting her should be aware that “we are dealing with an active tuberculosis patient and should take appropriate precautions.”
It is unclear why the woman, identified as VN in court documents, refused isolation or treatment.
Sarah Tofflemire, the women’s court-appointed defense attorney, told the Post, “We are unable to comment further as this is an ongoing matter involving confidential medical information.”
In a court filing, Tofflemire said the woman “has not acknowledged the existence of her medical condition.” News Tribune reportedDuring the court proceedings, the woman spoke “quickly, incoherently and out of turn,” Files added. according to on paper. “She had repeatedly threatened to commit suicide in connection with papers distributed to her home.”
The defense attorney requested that the court appoint a guardian for the woman.
The woman is a “rare example” of a patient refusing to take medication for an infectious disease or remaining in isolation, health officials said. It is the third time in 20 years that we have sought a court order to detain a communicable disease patient who refused.
Tuberculosis is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. according to to the World Health Organization. In the United States in 2021 he has 7,882 cases, one of the lowest tuberculosis rates in the world, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC credit Its low proportion of investment in national programs to monitor and treat disease.
Tuberculosis spreads from person to person through the air. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, fever, weight loss, and night sweats. The disease usually attacks the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body as well.
