Health Department says doctor has tuberculosis
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—State health officials say a Rhode Island doctor has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.
Department of Health officials declined to name the doctor Friday, or say where he or she worked.
State health director Dr. David Gifford told The Providence Journal that releasing that information would only raise fears and not serve the public interest.
The doctor has a private practice and privileges to work in local hospitals.
Department of Health officials say the doctor has been sick for about six weeks, but does not appear to be highly contagious.
They said about two dozen people who may have had contact with the doctor are being tested for tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that causes fatigue and possibly weeks of coughing.
The state had 47 cases last year.
