TB patient put in medical isolation
County officials took the unusual step of forcing a tuberculosis patient into medical isolation when health officials suspected the patient was not taking medication and was going to work.
County Public Health Director Jim Lindley and Public Health Officer Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare said it was the first time in county history that such an action had been taken.
The patient, whose name and gender were not revealed because of medical privacy rules, was treated for TB in Las Vegas on Aug. 7 before coming to Needles, authorities said. A local doctor treated the patient, but public health workers suspected the person was not taking his or her medication or remaining in isolation.
On Aug. 28, the patient was ordered by the county to cease all contact with the public. When the patient didn’t comply, the county took the person into medical custody Thursday.
The patient is now being treated at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton.
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