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Local bus riders possibly exposed to tuberculosis
The Loudoun County Health Department said Thursday that riders on three local commuter buses may have been exposed to a Loudoun resident with tuberculosis.On Aug. 6, the Health Department said it was notified that a person from Loudoun had been identified as most likely being sick with the potentially fatal respiratory disease. A week later, it then found out that the person, who officials say no longer poses a threat to others, was a frequent user of Loudoun commuter buses DC25W, DS26 and LC25.
Because of this, the Health Department is offering free testing to people who spent at least eight hours on any combination of buses DC25W, DS26 and LC25 between April 1 and July 16.
Health Department director, Dr. David Goodfriend, said studies have shown that at least eight hours of close contact are needed to transmit tuberculosis to others. He added that it cannot be spread from handles, seats or any other surfaces or objects on the bus.
"The chance that anyone may have been infected with TB on the bus is low," Goodfriend said.
Bus DC25W originates at Dulles North Transit Center at 7:50 a.m. DS26 originates at Dulles South-Stone Ridge at 7:30 a.m. and leaves Dulles North at 8 a.m. LC25 originates in Washington, D.C., at H and 4th Streets, NW, and stops at Dulles North at 6:51 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 7 p.m. on Fridays before continuing to Leesburg, Hamilton and Purcellville.
Complete commuter bus schedules are available at www.loudoun.gov/bus/schedules.htm.
People who think they were exposed to tuberculosis on the buses can be tested for free at the Loudoun County Health Department, located at 102 Heritage Way, N.E., in Leesburg.
Two special testing sessions will take place on Aug. 20 and Aug. 27, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with follow-up visits two days later. Complimentary shuttle bus service from the Dulles North and Dulles South park and ride lots to the Health Department in Leesburg will be provided on both evenings.
Goodfriend will be available in the Board Room at the Loudoun County Government Center at 10 a.m. on Aug. 18, to provide information about the disease.
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