Nebraska Health Department Probes 500+ Possible Tuberculosis Exposures at Omaha YMCA Childcare

Nebraska Health Department tuberculosis exposure Omaha YMCA Childcare tuberculosis testing for children child care program

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Nov 10, 10:53 pm

Photo: (Photo : JOSEPH PREZIOSO / Getty Images)

The Nebraska Health Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into a concerning tuberculosis exposure connected to the child care program at Omaha YMCA, potentially impacting over 500 individuals, creating a ripple of concern across the community.

Investigation Reveals Potential Exposure

The revelation of an active tuberculosis case within the child care program at Omaha YMCA has sparked alarm and prompt action by health authorities. The infected individual, part of the drop-in child care initiative, has primarily raised concerns for the health and well-being of young children participating in the program.

Dr. Kari Neemann, the medical adviser for the Douglas County Health Department, underlined the urgency following the recent diagnosis of the active case over the weekend.

Subsequent investigations swiftly connected the infected individual to the Omaha YMCA, necessitating immediate measures to contain and address the situation.

Health Department's Vigilance and Outreach

The health department swiftly mobilized to contain potential transmission risks, initiating contact tracing and advisories for anyone who might have had close contact with the infected individual.

The Nebraska Health Department has urged anyone who might have been in proximity to the infected person between May 30 and Oct. 30 to undergo tuberculosis testing without delay.

The YMCA of Greater Omaha played a critical role by meticulously identifying and reaching out to individuals who might have been exposed, particularly those involved in the child care program.

Justin Frederick, the deputy director of the Douglas County Health Department, clarified that individuals not part of the Child Watch program may have a significantly lower risk of exposure.

Although the health department maintains cautious optimism, they remain vigilant about the potential impact, especially considering the contagious nature of tuberculosis.

Dr. Neemann emphasized that children, primarily impacted by the infected individual, have a relatively low risk of transmitting the disease. However, given the gravity of the situation, specific proactive measures are being taken, particularly focusing on children under the age of 5.

Community Impact and Proactive Measures

Children's Nebraska is hosting a dedicated clinic over the weekend to conduct comprehensive tests, including chest X-rays and preventive antibiotic courses for children who might have been exposed to the infected patient.

This proactive approach aims to ensure early detection and prevent the onset of active disease, particularly in the more vulnerable age group.

Moreover, for those in the YMCA's child care program who were potentially exposed between late May and Aug. 21, clinics for testing will be held from Nov. 15-17 at the organization's Westview facility.

Identifying tuberculosis in children involves recognizing subtle signs like prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, and in some cases, coughing up blood.

Diagnosing tuberculosis in children often requires a combination of chest X-rays, skin or blood tests, and occasionally sputum tests to confirm the presence of the tuberculosis bacteria.

Due to the challenge of detecting tuberculosis in young children, early suspicion, especially following potential exposure, is crucial.

The health department emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to testing protocols to contain and prevent the potential spread of the disease.

The active investigation seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of the community while addressing the concerns raised by the recent tuberculosis exposure at the Omaha YMCA child care program. This ongoing vigilance aims to mitigate further risks and reassure the community about the safety measures being enacted.