Woman Released from Jail after Refusing TB Treatment and Isolation

A woman in Washington state with an active case of tuberculosis (TB) was recently jailed after refusing treatment and isolation for over a year. The health department sought court-ordered quarantine and isolation, but the woman ignored multiple court orders. After 17 court orders, she was finally located and detained in a specially equipped isolation room in a county jail. This is a rare occurrence, with the health department stating that they have had to seek court orders for detainment only three times in the past 20 years. While courts are willing to order quarantines and isolation to protect the public, they are generally reluctant to order involuntary treatment. The woman has now agreed to undergo treatment and has been released under certain conditions.