It has come to light that an employee of Emory University Hospital in Atlanta has exposed about 680 patients and 100 employees to tuberculosis (TB). For these patients medical facilities will be provided free of cost by Emory University Hospital.

After being diagnosed of TB, the Emory employee said that he was not aware of his illness and have unknowing infected others. However, he has taken all precautionary measures after being diagnosed and went for further tests like chest x-ray.

Soon after discovering TB, the Emory University Hospital administrator swiftly contacted the state agency and began a full investigation upon the patients and employees who may have been exposed, and prepared a strategy to inform the family of the employees.

TB is a fatal disease and it could be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. Common symptoms include chest pains, heavy coughing, fever and fatigue. However, it has emerged that about 11 million people in the United States are infected with hidden tuberculosis, which is symptom-free and is not contagious. There is a provision for TB in the State law according to which TB patients, who may have been exposed, must be notified.