Health Law

Respirators will be worn by judge, court staff and attendees at hearing in tuberculosis case

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Everyone in the courtroom Friday, except the subject of a special hearing, is expected to wear respirators, and other special precautions also will be taken to avoid the spread of tuberculosis, an Illinois health official says.

The hearing concerns a man with active pulmonary tuberculosis who has not cooperated with health officials’ instructions to stay home while he is being treated for the contagious disease since his diagnosis last month, Reuters reports.

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde said the man will wear a surgical mask during the hearing. It is expected to be held in a conference room in the county health department offices to avoid disrupting a courthouse because of the special precautions being taken.

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Judge Chase Leonhard is being asked to order the man to stay home alone and wear an ankle monitor to ensure that he is doing so.

The news agency was unable to reach the patient for comment. Pryde says he could be made noninfectious within five weeks and cured within six to 12 months if he complies with treatment.

Related coverage:

ABAJournal.com: “11th Circuit Must Decide: Did Lawyer with TB Plead a Sufficient Case Against CDC?”

ABAJournal.com: “Calif. Man Is Criminally Charged to Force Compliance with Tuberculosis Treatment Plan”

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