Where did the patient become infected with the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB?
The source of the patient’s TB is still under investigation. CDC is conducting something called an Epi Aid, which means our epidemic intelligence service officers are actively participating and investigating not only opportunities for exposure to passengers, crew, family members, or others but also looking backward to try to determine where the original infection occurred that is an ongoing investigation. Why was a federal order of isolation issued? After the patient had left the jurisdiction, the TB organism was identified as extensively drug resistant. A federal order of isolation under the Public Health Service Act that gives CDC statutory responsibility for issuing quarantine orders was executed to protect the public. This patient was ordered to be in isolation and is required to stay in isolation until the responsible public health official deems that he is no longer infectious to others. The patient currently is isolated and is undergoing medical evaluation. Under what circumstan
