Evaluation of Exposure to Tuberculosis Among Employees at a Long-term Care Facility

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from managers at a long-term care facility in Alaska. The request concerned the exposure of employees to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The requestors asked for our assistance in identifying active tuberculosis (TB) disease sources and in assessing the ventilation system. During on-site evaluations in May 2012 and August 2012, we observed workplace conditions and work processes and practices. We interviewed employees, reviewed employee health records and pertinent medical records for employees and residents, and evaluated the ventilation system in selected areas.