According to a letter sent to close contacts by the SHA, the individual with tuberculosis was at the Melfort McDonalds during the months of April and May. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Tuberculosis in Melfort

Tuberculosis found in person who was at Melfort McDonald’s

Aug 19, 2020 | 4:12 PM

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has confirmed that there’s been a case of tuberculosis in Melfort.

An email to northeastNOW from the SHA didn’t say specifically where the case was in the city, but a post on Facebook showed an SHA letter that was sent to some McDonald’s employees in Melfort. The letter dated on Aug. 11 read “a person that spent time at the McDonald’s in Melfort was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis”.

The SHA said in their email to northeastNOW that close contacts have been notified and there is no concern to the public. They said that only those who have daily or prolonged exposure, or household and close contacts are at risk of contracting tuberculosis.

The letter said that the person was at the Melfort McDonald’s between the periods of April and May, but it didn’t say if the individual was an employee. The SHA also didn’t comment on why it took until August for individuals to be notified.

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Melfort McDonalds Owner Raj Bain commented via email on the situation and confirmed to northeastNOW it was an employee with tuberculosis. He said any guests with inquiries should contact the SHA.

According to the Government of Canada, tuberculosis is spread through the release of droplets from an infected person. That could include things like coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of tuberculosis include a bad cough that can last more than two weeks. The cough could bring up blood or phlegm as well. Other symptoms include chest pain, weakness or tiredness, weight loss, a lack of appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats.

Those who are most at risk include those with silicosis, HIV or AIDS, diabetes, long-term kidney disease that requires dialysis, and cancer of the head or neck. Those who are underweight or are heavy drinkers are also at risk of contracting tuberculosis.

Editors note: This story was amended to include comments from the Melfort McDonalds owner.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6