Hundreds At Lynn Clinic Being Tested After Tuberculosis Diagnosis

LYNN (CBS) – Doctors are trying to warn patients at a Lynn health center after a man diagnosed with tuberculosis may have come in contact with as many as 1,000 people.

Dr. Scott Early, who is in charge of Lynn Community Health Center, said his staff first became aware of the tuberculosis diagnosis earlier this month.

"We have sent registered letters to all 1,000 patients," Early said.

"We definitely contacted all of our own staff members. At least a quarter, probably by the end of the day closer to half, of those patients will have come in to be screened."

Early said there is no immediate threat to patients who currently use the health center, and added that the center is open for business as usual.

"There's absolutely zero danger now of being exposed to tuberculosis from coming to the health center," said Early.

Lynn doctors said that anyone who received a letter needs to get tested, adding that it can take up to six months for symptoms of tuberculosis to start showing up. The earlier the disease is detected, Early added, the easier it is to treat.

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