UV light cuts spread of TB

UV light cuts spread of TB. New study suggests ultraviolet lights could reduce the spread of tuberculosis in hospitals - %0A " - Imperial College London News Release Under strict embargo for - 01.00 am GMT - Tuesday 17 March 2009 - (17. PST 16/3/09) Ultraviolet lights could reduce the spread of tuberculosis in hospital wards and waiting rooms by 70%, according to a new study, published in today. The study, which explored the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) from infected patients to guinea pigs, suggests that installing simple ultraviolet C (UVC) lights in hospitals could help reduce the transmission of TB, including drug- resistant strains. Every year, over nine million people are infected with tuberculosis and nearly two million people die from the disease, according to the World Health Organisation. Infection rates are particularly high in places where vulnerable people are crowded together, such as hospitals, homeless shelters and prisons. When a tuberculosis patient coughs, bacteria are sprayed into the air in tiny droplets, floating around the room and infecting other patients, visitors and healthcare staff.