Alabama prison inmate tests positive for tuberculosis

In this June 18, 2015, photo, state prisoner Robert Marbury speaks to The Associated Press about the overcrowding in the prison at Elmore Correctional Facility in Elmore, Ala.
In this June 18, 2015, photo, state prisoner Robert Marbury speaks to The Associated Press about the overcrowding in the prison at Elmore Correctional Facility in Elmore, Ala.

ELMORE, Ala. -- Alabama Department of Corrections officials say an inmate at a facility in Elmore has been quarantined after testing positive for tuberculosis.

Corrections spokesman Bob Horton told WSFA-TV on Tuesday an inmate at the Staton Correctional Facility tested positive for tuberculosis weeks ago and is being treated in an infirmary.

CDC officials say tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that typically attack the lungs. Officials say tuberculosis usually spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Horton says all Staton inmates have been tested by the Alabama Department of Public Health and no additional cases have been reported.

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