[berilhertz]

The article caught my interest because of a possible link to illegal immigration. People talk about the loss of jobs, the drain on social services, and the increase in crime that comes as a result of illegal immigration. I also have a concern about public health. Here in New England, we have seen a resurgance of tuberculosis, a disease that had pretty much disappeared. The reason for its reappearance - legal(?) and/or illegal immigrant who come to this country without the shots that innoculate them against these diseases. Other diseases, such as Chagas disease and leprosy (Brazil has a high incidence) also are surfacing in the U.S.

[KittyKares]

The article caught my interest because of a possible link to illegal immigration.

What link?

[Nathan Zachary]

There are probably a lot of diseases the hospitals are keeping quiet about that these illegals are bringing in. Don't forget, when a legal immigrant is allowed in, they are screened for diseases like TB, aids, etc. These illegals can bring anything with them, and spread it around for a long time before they get sick enough and need treatment themselves. Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and such are at epidemic levels in Mexico and other south American countries. I'll bet if someone does a little digging, the rates for some of these diseases are far above the national average in border states.

[hedgetrimmer]

Here in New England, we have seen a resurgance of tuberculosis, a disease that had pretty much disappeared.

Tuberculosis was nearly eradicated in the US, and SAN FRANCISCO has MDR-TB tuberculosis. It is deadly and untreatable. When you ask medical professionals if they expect a pandemic that will kill many many humans, they don't say it will be avian flu. They say it will be tuberculosis.

[hershey]

Hepatitis C, too.

[COBOL2Java]

I had the same thoughts about whether this woman was an illegal immigrant. Perhaps that's one reason why they're reluctant to release her name - a latina perhaps?

[RouxStir]

Not likely that the bacteria, Yersinia pestis, was a result of illegals bringing it in unless the illegals brought all of their pet rats, mice and rodents, along with their pet fleas...the fleas probably drowned crossing the Rio Grande or had heat strokes in the "coyotes" trucks.

The bacteria has been present in the rodent population. It just doesn't show up very often because of better hygiene, antibiotics and effective pesticides.

Not that there aren't many other pathogens that can and are being transported across the borders.