Five cases of tuberculosis (TB) was uncovered at a local correctional facility this morning. The inmates that have tested positive for TB have been hospitalized and is said to be responding well to treatment.

In a release, The Ministry of Health and Wellness along with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) outlined that tuberculosis screening will be conducted among inmates and workers.

Additionally, the contacts of the hospitalized inmates have been identified and are currently being screened.

Furthermore, 100 inmates have been administered the Mantoux skin test as well as screening for symptoms such as coughing, weight loss and fever.

The second aspect of the examination which includes a chest x-ray and a sputum test which involves checks for bacteria or another type of organism that may be causing an infection in your lungs or the airways leading to the lungs is currently being scheduled for inmates.

Research states that Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine.

If not treated, the results can be fatal.