Duval County's Tuberculosis Outbreak Withheld from the Public

By: Associated Press Email

Updated: Mon 1:47 AM, Sep 24, 2012

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.

A Jacksonville newspaper reports that some records regarding Duval County's tuberculosis outbreak were withheld from the public.

The Florida Times-Union reviewed state and local health department emails over a four-year period. It found that the agencies released only some information to the public regarding an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases among the homeless, despite recommendations from federal authorities.

The emails also show that the health department was hesitant to release public records to a reporter and did not publicize a tuberculosis investigation at a local school.

Health officials told the newspaper their intent was to keep the public safe. In one email, authorities said releasing more information would compromise the investigations into the outbreak.

More than a dozen homeless people suffered from the disease in Jacksonville this year.

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