We’re seeing more and more TB since pandemic precautions ended, so if you have a TB+ employee, you’re not alone. The good news is that workplace risk is very low for TB, especially if you have good ventilation (like in a commercial kitchen or dining room). The risks are greatest for people who live together, commute together, or hang out in enclosed spaces outside of work.
We always recommend deferring to the health department regarding employee testing, but if they’re not requiring testing, there’s not much you actually have to do as an employer. You can help anyone who wants to be tested by giving them time off or a ride, but there’s not usually a reason to encourage testing beyond that if the health department isn’t asking you to do more. There are some rare instances when the team is very concerned, and in those cases, helping the anxious employee(s) get tested can actually help, especially once they have their results (usually negative).
Educating your managers on TB is key so that they can share that knowledge and keep their team calm and informed. Check out the ZHH app for a TB Q&A and Action Plan, and don’t hesitate to chat with our clinical team for more detailed guidance.
Source: ZHH
If you want to go a little deeper on what it actually means for the U.S. to lose measles elimination status and how public health officials determine whether spread has been continuous for a full year, this explainer from the Common Health Coalition does a great job breaking it down in plain English.