Streets around Johns Hopkins hospital closed after reports vials were broken and people may have been exposed to disease

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Fire crews are on the scene at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore after reports that people may have been exposed to tuberculosis when vials there were broken.

Sections of the streets around the hospital, one of America’s most prestigious research facilities, were closed on Thursday afternoon, and a hazardous material situation was first reported by local media.

A number of people have been evacuated and aerial images showed a large group of people being escorted out of the building.

The bacteria may have escaped in transit. A statement from the hospital on Thursday said that the city fire department was investigating “the possible release of a small amount of tuberculosis during transportation in an internal bridge” between two cancer research buildings on site.

“Employees were in the area when the incident occurred, and these employees have been isolated and are expected to be evaluated by the fire department. As a cautionary measure, both cancer research buildings have been evacuated,” the statement said.

The hospital said “all indications” are that no-one else had been exposed.

According to the Mayo Clinic: “Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.”

The incident occurred around 12.20pm according to local reports, and the city authorities dispatched hazmat experts to the scene.