55 people potentially exposed to tuberculosis in southern Alberta

Fifty-fivepeople have potentially been exposed to a confirmed case of tuberculosis in the Lethbridge area, Alberta Health Services says

The infected person works at a food-processing plant, but the transmission of the infection is not related to the food processed there, the health authority announced Thursday.

There's also no evidence to suggest anyone could contract tuberculosis, or TB, by eating food from the plant, saidDr. VivianSuttorp,lead medical officer for Alberta Health Services' south zone.

"TBis not a very infectious organism. It's very different than measles, for example, that's much more contagious," Suttorpsaid.

No cause for concern, doctor says

Alberta has a low incident rate of tuberculosis, andSuttorpsaidthe public doesn't need to be concerned.

"I think sometimes there's a misunderstanding, there's misconceptions," she said. "And it creates a lot of fear and perceived risk."

TB is not transmitted through inanimate objectsor through food, but instead by breathing in air from an infected person.

"In TB cases, infectious lung TB, the most at risk are those living in the household with the individual," she said.

AHSis following up with family, friends and coworkers of the exposed individual to identify if it has spread.

However, there's a bit of a time delayas it takes weeks before medical officials can determine whethersomeone has been exposed.

Active TB may involvesymptoms of coughing up bloody mucus, being tired and losing weight orhaving night sweats and fever, according to Alberta Health.

AHS says the people who may have been exposed have received hand-delivered letters that include information on standard screening and treatment options, if required.

Tuberculosis is typically treated using antibiotics.

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With files from Elizabeth Snaddon and The Canadian Press.