Exposure to Tuberculosis (February 1, 2004 – April 23, 2004) – (Horgan v Lakeridge et al.)

This class proceeding arises out of an outbreak of tuberculosis. In April 2004, public health authorities were notified that a person with active TB (“Index Patient”) had attended medical appointments at certain healthcare facilities. The Durham Region Health Department (“Durham Health”) conducted an investigation to identify and test individuals who were exposed to infection by the Index Patient. Durham Health notified approximately 1,600 individuals who were exposed to TB between February and April 2004. Over 1,384 people were tested for tuberculosis of whom 246 people tested positive for infection.

The class of persons the action represents is generally comprised of persons who were exposed to TB in the circumstances, who were contacted by a public health authority or the Defendants and were advised they may have contracted TB, and who tested positive for TB.

The Defendants to the action are Lakeridge Health Corporation, a respirologist and a haematologist with whom the Index Patient had attended appointments. It is alleged that the Defendants failed to properly screen for and diagnose the Index Patient, and failed to take precautions to prevent the spread of TB to others. It is alleged that the Defendants’ failures resulted in losses or injury suffered by class members, including illness and psychological trauma.

Koskie Minsky LLP represents the Plaintiff in this action.