TB-tainted man crosses border 76 times

Washington Times ^ | 10-17-07 | Sara A. Carter and Audrey Hudson

[Dysart]

A Mexican national infected with a highly contagious form of tuberculosis crossed the U.S. border 76 times and took multiple domestic flights in the last year, according to Customs and Border Protection interviews and documents obtained by The Washington Times.

he Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency was warned by health officials on April 16 that the frequent traveler was infected, but it took the Homeland Security officials more than six weeks to issue a May 31 alert to warn its own border inspectors, according to Homeland Security sources who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Homeland Security took one more week to tell its own Transportation Security Agency.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR) is a highly contagious illness and also resistant to the two most commonly used drugs to treat TB. It is the same dangerous strain of tuberculosis that concerned health officials when Andrew Speaker, a 31-year-old Atlanta lawyer, slipped into the U.S. from Europe via a flight to Canada.

A physician with the CDC says that they usually only notify flights that are eight hours or longer that passengers could have potentially been infected. But other physicians say the disease can be transmitted within minutes — especially in persons with lowered immunity — and recommend anyone coming in contact with this contagious illness seek medical attention.

[RDTF]

this is breaking news now on Fox

[Cobra64]

"Drop it!"

[dr_who_2]

Good one.

[TigersEye]

Be careful where you get food. The best thing you can do with veggies, if you have to get them from a big store, is fill a sink with cold water and an ounce of Clorox. Let stand one minute then drain and rinse.

Other than that don't fly and don't hire illegal aliens.

[rdl6989]

With our most superb border security I don’t see how such a thing could happen.

[isrul]

If only it could be so.

[pandoraou812]

I use the Clorox method too. But I have to do it when nobody is around or they would think I were poisoning them. My mom taught me that one years ago. I refuse to fly & avoid malls too. We are getting diseases we have long gotten rid of back. It is scary.

[OKIEDOC]

This is absolutely unbelievable that after all the political fights the past few years that this could occur.

Homeland Security could not secure a bicycle much less our border.

Malfeasance anyone.

[Cyropaedia]

With our most superb border security I don’t see how such a thing could happen.

With the "Decider" and Chertoff in charge it really makes you wonder.

Next thing you know, these folks will be using stolen Social Security numbers...

[Diogenesis]

[FryingPan101]

Does anyone know which borders are involved in this maniac’s crossings? Was it by air?

[Dysart]

Both, actually.

[ought-six]

Just spreading the diseases that Americans won’t spread.

[NordP]

Mr. C needs to step down. THIS is beyond the pale.

[dragnet2]

A Mexican national infected with a highly contagious form of tuberculosis crossed the U.S. border 76 times and took multiple domestic flights in the last year

One of these days, those in government responsible for chaotic lawlessness, will be held directly responsible.

[dragnet2]

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR) is a highly contagious illness and also resistant to the two most commonly used drugs to treat TB.

Begs the question...How many have already entered and are currently entering with this highly contagious disease?

[dragnet2]

No wonder US citizens think so little of our selfish contemptable leadership. A pox on all of them. Tar and feathers too.

Then prosecute all in government that are responsible.

[Old Professer]

He finally alerted them by using an alias? How do we know that it wasn’t just his passport that crossed the border the other 75 times?

[gubamyster]

ping

[texastoo]

I have flown in and out of the McAllen airport so many times. Years ago I started putting Triple Antibiotic ointment in my nose as a precautionary measure. My main thought was to prevent TB as I knew I was at a greater risk in a small enclosed place with people coughing. It should help prevent any bacterial infection.