Cameron County Public Health begins tuberculosis investigation after 2 nursing homes exposed

CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral)—The Cameron County Public Health is conducting a tuberculosis contact investigation after two nursing homes were exposed.

The nursing homes affected were Harlingen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center between April 1, to Nov. 6, and Vernada Rehabilitation and Healthcare between May 24, and Nov. 6.

According to a news release from Cameron County Public Health, it is estimated that over 600 current and former residents and employees may have been exposed to tuberculosis and are recommended to be tested.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and other parts of the body. The bacteria is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits.

Symptoms include a cough that lasts three weeks or longer, chest pain, coughing up blood, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever and night sweats.

"The symptoms for TB are very similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the flu, that if it goes undiagnosed for a long period of time a contact investigation of this magnitude will occur," said Esmeralda Guajardo, Cameron County Health Administrator.

Testing will be provided at no cost and will start from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Harlingen Public Health Center, located at 711 N. L Street.

Testing will include a blood drawing from the person's arm.

For more information on the ongoing tuberculosis contact investigation, contact the Cameron County Helpline from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (956) 247-3650.