Inmate treated for tuberculosis

PORTLAND — State health officials said a Cumberland County Jail inmate likely has infected three people -- and perhaps more -- with tuberculosis.

But they added that the inmate is not currently infectious and will not be as long as he continues to receive treatment for the disease.

State epidemiologist Dr. Kathleen Gensheimer said her office sought a court order to have the man -- who has been in and out of jail -- rearrested after he refused treatment. She said she believes he may have spread it to others at the jail, as well as at a Portland homeless shelter.

Gensheimer said that keeping the man behind bars seems to be the only way to ensure he doesn't expose more people to TB.

"Failure to complete treatment means that person has a chance of breaking down the disease -- but infecting other people and continuing to transmit TB into the community," Gensheimer said.

However, the court order that is keeping the man in jail is temporary. The state has until Sept. 21 to find a les-restrictive environment for him.

Gensheimer said that as long as he keeps receiving treatment, he is not a risk to inmates or staff at the jail.

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