Woman with tuberculosis jailed after refusing treatment, isolation

KARAH RUCKER: A TUBERCULOSIS PATIENT IN TACOMA WASHINGTON HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO JAIL — FOR REFUSING TO ISOLATE.

THE PLACE SHE IS NOW CONFINED TO IS SPECIALLY EQUIPPED TO FORCE THE WASHINGTON STATE WOMAN INTO CONFINEMENT WHERE TESTING AND TREATMENT FOR THE HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS BACTERIAL DISEASE IS AVAILABLE.

WE FIRST REPORTED THIS STORY THREE MONTHS AGO WHEN A RARE CIVIL WARRANT WAS ISSUED FOR THE WOMAN’S ARREST. THE WOMAN IS NOT FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL COUNTY SHERIFF —

BUT SHE WILL BE JAILED FOR AT LEAST 45 DAYS.

TUBERCULOSIS IS A DEADLY DISEASE THAT IS SPREAD THROUGH THE AIR WHEN AN INFECTED PERSON COUGHS OR SNEEZES.

ACCORDING TO A DEPUTY CONDUCTING SURVEILLANCE IN ORDER TO EXECUTE THE WARRANT – THE PATIENT WAS SEEN LEAVING HER HOUSE, BOARDING A CITY BUS, AND GOING TO A LOCAL CASINO – AFTER MONTHS OF CARRYING THE INFECTION AND BEING ORDERED TO STAY HOME.

COUNTY HEALTH OFFICIALS DO HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENFORCE ISOLATION IF A PERSON HAS TUBERCULOSIS.

JAIL TIME IS NOT UNHEARD OF — BUT IS A RARE COURSE OF ACTION.