Progress made in limiting Kane County TB outbreak

Health authorities are reporting progress in containing a tuberculosis outbreak in Kane County. No active cases have occurred since late June and none turned up in a mass screening in August. Almost 200 people were tested then.

So far, 17 active cases have been identified since the outbreak began earlier this year.

Most involve residents of a homeless shelter in Aurora and close contacts.

Another mass screening is planned in October.

Kane County Health Department spokesman Tom Schlueter says authorities have been aggressively screening and educating homeless shelter residents about TB.

Tuberculosis can be caught through prolonged contact in close quarters with affected people. Symptoms include a prolonged cough, fever and night sweats.