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Two employees working at separate casinos in Tunica have confirmed cases of active tuberculosis, the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed Thursday.

The MSDH said it has been working closely with the casinos, which weren't named, to identify anyone who was in close contact with the cases.

"The individuals are not currently at the casinos," the Health Department said in a statement.

"This is typical protocol for any TB investigation we do in Mississippi," said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs. "Once we detect a case of active TB, we identify close contacts of the case, perform testing to identify those who are potentially infected, and begin their treatment immediately,"

Dobbs said, "No individuals from the general public have been identified as close contacts, and we have absolutely no reason to believe there has been transmission to any of the casino patrons. In fact, because of ventilation systems in these facilities, a casino is one of the least likely locations for transmission through casual contact."

He said both casinos were "incredibly cooperative and proactive in handling this situation. We've been able to quickly arrange testing for employees at both of the casinos involved."

Testing for TB exposure is a common function of the health department, which said 65 cases of TB were confirmed in Mississippi last year.

Mississippi's new-case rate for TB remains below the national average, the department said.

Those who are at a higher risk of getting TB are people with HIV or other immunosuppressive conditions; diabetics; smokers; those undergoing chemotherapy; and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

Treatment typically takes from 12 weeks to nine months.