Migrant Crisis Leads to Increase in Tuberculosis and Measles Cases

Dive ⁣deep into a critical⁤ health discussion with Dr. Houman David Hemmati as he joins ​Morning Wire’s Georgia Howe to dissect ‌the alarming escalation in tuberculosis and measles cases. Don’t miss out—stream the ‍entire dialogue on Morning Wire.

Unpacking the Public Health Alert

Georgia Howe: We appreciate ⁢you sharing your expertise with us today, Dr. Hemmati.

Dr. ​Hemmati: Happy to ‍contribute to this important conversation.

Georgia: California’s health department ⁤has sounded the⁣ alarm about skyrocketing TB cases. What’s the essence of‍ their message?

Dr. Hemmati: ⁣Essentially, the bulletin warns of a TB spike, with a significant portion stemming⁣ from international arrivals, and a concerning death rate exceeding 13% for⁤ certain ‍strains.

Georgia: How​ do‍ health officials ‌normally screen for tuberculosis?

Dr. Hemmati: ‌ Immigration protocols typically ⁢include a TB blood test and often a chest x-ray. Unfortunately, gaps in this process can let undiagnosed cases⁢ slip through, particularly from regions where ‌TB is rampant.

The ‍TB⁣ Threat and⁢ Its Progression

Georgia: ‌ TB seems particularly daunting. Can‌ you explain why it’s so pernicious?

Dr. Hemmati: Tuberculosis, ⁤a bacterial disease, ⁣has a knack for lying dormant, sometimes for decades,⁤ before manifesting aggressively, ravaging lungs, and facilitating ⁢rapid‍ bacterial spread ⁣through coughing.

Treatment for TB ‌is a marathon, requiring lengthy courses of a limited selection of drugs. The rise of multidrug-resistant​ TB, ⁣impervious to our current‍ treatments, is causing unprecedented mortality​ rates.

LISTEN: Tune in to the full interview with Dr. Hemmati on ‌Morning⁤ Wire.

Georgia: Just how infectious is​ TB?

Dr. Hemmati: While⁣ transmission requires close contact with ‌an infected person, TB isn’t exceedingly contagious. However, ⁣when contracted, it’s a lifelong affliction. Precautionary measures in hospitals, such as N95 masks, ‍are essential‍ to prevent its spread.

Measles Outbreak Concerns

Georgia: Shifting focus, there’s been a measles ‍outbreak ‌at a Chicago migrant facility. What’s happening​ there?

Dr. Hemmati: The influx ⁢of untested immigrants is likely ⁣causing these measles clusters. Migrant communities with low vaccination rates are particularly‌ vulnerable to​ this‍ highly contagious virus.

Georgia: With these outbreaks, should there ⁢be testing at the border?

Dr. Hemmati: Vital historical practices involve testing and vaccination checks for​ incoming migrants. With the current ⁤border surge, adequately testing every individual is a logistical challenge, leading to public health risks.

Georgia: Thank you for shedding light on these pressing issues, Dr. Hemmati.

Dr. Hemmati: I’m glad to have had the opportunity to discuss ⁤them. Thank you.