A woman with active tuberculosis forced her head to jail after she refused to get treatment.
In a new court order obtained by KOMO News, it was revealed that the Tacoma woman who was diagnosed with active tuberculosis or TB would be jailed after being held in contempt for refusing treatment and isolation.
The order came from a closed hearing in Pierce County Judge Philip Sorenson’s courtroom on Friday.
At the time of writing, the woman’s identity has not yet been disclosed.
In a report published by Katu News, it was revealed that “court documents state that there’s a preponderance of evidence that treatment of V.M.’s active TB is necessary to prevent serious risk to the health and safety of others. She now has one week to turn herself in or a civil warrant for her arrest will be issued. After diagnosis, medical records show that V.M. started treatment but then ended it before it was complete.”
Following the woman’s refusal, the court ordered for her to be detained in the Pierce County Jail for not more than 45 days.
“It’s not about jail time at all. It’s about compliance with the health department’s orders.” Sgt. Darren Moss, Jr. who’s spokesperson for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
A new court order finds a Tacoma woman diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB) is in contempt for refusing isolation and treatment, now forcing her to head to jail.https://t.co/0tqVeYksiZ— KATU News (@KATUNews) February 25, 2023
Moss also claimed that TB used to be common in the jail.
“That’s why our jail has negative pressure rooms. Basically what that does is isolate the air within that room so it doesn’t infect the rest of the rooms within the facility.” Moss said.
Amid the controversy, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued an official statement on the said case.
“We are always hopeful that a patient will choose voluntary compliance in these situations and get the treatment needed to protect themselves and others. We will continue to work through the legal process and all options available,” the department said.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health officials also made it clear to the public that they have been working with the woman’s family with hopes to persuade her to follow through with treatment for more than a year now.
