Tuberculosis scare: Johns Hopkins Hospital evacuates 2 research buildings
The possible tuberculosis exposure occurred in an internal bridge connecting two cancer research buildings on Thursday, according to a spokesperson for the medical center in Baltimore. (Keith Weller/JHMI)
BALTIMORE — Two cancer research buildings at the Johns Hopkins Hospital complex in downtown Baltimore were evacuated Thursday afternoon after “small amount of tuberculosis” might have been accidentally released, a hospital spokesperson said.
An unspecified number of employees were isolated and are being evaluated by the Baltimore City Fire Department, according to a statement released to the media shortly after 2 p.m.
“The Baltimore City Fire Department is actively investigating the possible release of a small amount of tuberculosis during transportation in an internal bridge between Cancer Research Building 1 and Cancer Research Building 2. Employees were in the area when the incident occurred, and these employees have been isolated and are expected to be evaluated by the Fire Department. As a cautionary measure, both Cancer Research Buildings have been evacuated.
“So far, all indications are that no other individuals have been exposed, however, the buildings will remain evacuated until cleared by public safety officials,” the statement said.
Officials from the Baltimore City Department of Health also are reportedly on the scene.
Tuberculosis is a potentially serious infectious but treatable bacterial disease. TB primarily affects the lungs and can become airborne.
This article is republished with permission from Talk Media News.
Regina Holmes has more than two decades of experience as a journalist –editing and reporting for news dailies including the Miami Herald, Newsday and the Baltimore Examiner.