Woman with TB faces jail and forced treatment after refusing solitary confinement and visiting casino
A woman in washington state who was diagnosed with tuberculosis was found in contempt of court on Friday after she allegedly refused to pursue treatment and took a public bus to a casino rather than self-isolate under supervision.
Judge Philip Sorenson authorized law enforcement to detain the unidentified woman following a civilian arrest warrant issued on March 3 according to the local king 5.
The warrant authorizes the involuntary detention, testing and treatment of the woman at the Pierce County Jail.
The woman reportedly refused to take medication and follow protective guidelines despite the efforts of her own family members and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
TUBERCULOSIS DEATHS RISE DURING COVID PANDEMIC, REVERSING YEARS OF DECLINE
The unidentified woman reportedly refused to take medication and protect herself and the community despite the efforts of her own family members and the health department. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
A Pierce County Bureau of Corrections officer watched the woman’s home last month and saw a city bus drop her off at a casino, court documents show.
She has reportedly not been seen at her home since, and her family members have not responded to police inquiries.
“We have worked with family and community members for over a year to do everything we can to persuade this woman to take her medication to protect herself and our community,” the health department said. Tacoma-Pierce County in a statement.
REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVES ASK BOSTON UNIVERSITY ABOUT RESEARCH CREATING NEW STAIN OF COVID-19
The case marks the third instance in the past 20 years when the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department sought a court order to detain a person with tuberculosis. (Stock)
Pierce County Corrections Chief Patricia Jackson said in a statement to the court that she believed the woman with tuberculosis was actively evading arrest.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department sees about 20 cases of active TB each year, which health care providers are required to report under state law.
“We always expect a patient to choose to voluntarily comply,” the department said in a statement. “Seeking to enforce a court order through a civil arrest warrant is always our last resort.
This case marks the third time in the past 20 years that the health department has sought a court order to detain a person potentially infectious with tuberculosis and refusing treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, common symptoms of tuberculosis include cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss. (Reuters/Denis Balibouse)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Tuberculosis is a airborne disease caused by bacteria that primarily affect the lungs. According to the World Health Organization, common symptoms include cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss.
#Woman #faces #jail #forced #treatment #refusing #solitary #confinement #visiting #casino, 1681076526