Disney worker diagnosed with TB

ORLANDO, Florida (CNN) -- The Orange County Health Department is awaiting test results from several employees at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom after another employee -- a costumed character -- was diagnosed with active tuberculosis.

Health department spokesman Bill Toth said Wednesday the victim, a woman in her 20s, is under medical treatment and has been moved to a separate apartment. She was diagnosed last Friday. He said her roommates and other friends who came in close contact with her are also being tested for the bacterial, airborne disease. The test results for the roommates could be ready Thursday.

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He stressed that no visitors to Disney World would have been in danger of contracting the disease.

"It takes prolonged, very close contact," Toth said. The costumed characters and visitors "meet outside, so dilution of the outside air reduces the risk, and sunlight has ultraviolet properties which kill the bacteria."

Toth also pointed out that the character she played wore a full head mask, which also has another mask over the face inside it, reducing the risk of airborne droplets from escaping.

Disney spokeswoman Rena Callahan said the park is following the recommendations of the health department in testing some employees.

"At this point we're taking precautions, in testing everyone who was in contact with her for a long time," she said.

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Orange County Florida Health Department
CDC: Division of Tuberculosis Elimination
American Lung Association: Tuberculosis
International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
NJMS National Tuberculosis Center

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