MCALLEN -- A Public Affairs officer with the Valley's Veteran Affairs said on May 4th a patient at the their clinic on South Col. Rowe in McAllen tested positive for tuberculosis.
This prompted officials to send letters to almost 250 patients.
"For the safety of our veterans, we did send out a letter to all 249 patients who visited the clinic that day," said Public Affairs Officer, Froy Garza.
The letter stated that, as a precaution , patients who visited the clinic on May 4th should visit the clinic again and get tested for TB.
Garza said he is not sure if the letter caused a scare, but it is their duty to inform patients of incidents like this.
"As a precautionary measure, we do want to alert them and make sure they do come in and get tested," said Garza.
For those not familiar with tuberculosis, about 9 million people are living with the disease and 2 million die each year from it.
Some common symptoms to look for include: chest pains, coughing up blood, feeling weak or fatigued, experiencing drastic weight loss, fever and even the chills.
As for whether or not the patients are thankful for the VA's quick response to this matter, Garza said he believes they are.
"I'm sure they're thankful for the notice and appreciate the notice going out and keeping their safety as a priority of ours," said Garza.
Garza said they have already had 20 patients get tested and all of their staff.
He said those results haven't come in yet.
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