Sturgis patient being treated for TB

An active case of tuberculosis is under investigation and treatment in the Sturgis area, according to Kim Wilhelm, prevention services director for Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency.
The man became infected in April, Wilhelm said. The agency is attempting to find the man’s contacts and is involved in extensive testing, Wilhelm said.
Between 20 and 30 people were found to have had some contact with him, Wilhelm said.
For the past month, the person has undergone direct therapy, Wilhelm said. That requires a nurse to take the medication to him and watch him take it seven days a week.
According to Centers for Disease Control, tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can affect any part of the body, such as the kidneys, spine and brain.