Advertisement

Tampa police search for woman infected with tuberculosis

 
Published July 7, 2013

TAMPA — Police were searching for a woman infected with tuberculosis who left Tampa General Hospital against medical advice Saturday.

Sarah Williams, 53, tested positive for tuberculosis around noon Saturday but left the hospital before receiving her results, police said. The hospital notified the Tampa Police Department, and officers were searching the area to locate her.

Tuberculosis is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause the disease are spread through tiny droplets released into the air by coughs and sneezes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

However, it was unclear according to information released Sunday by police if Williams' tuberculosis is latent or active. Latent TB is not contagious and causes no symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Williams was last seen wearing long brown pants and a green beanie. Anyone who sees her is asked to contact police.