A notice from the Department of Public Health confirmed two new cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Guam. 

Officials added they are currently treating a relapsed case. As a precaution, the patients have agreed to remain in isolation.

The initial case is said to be linked to a 2021 outbreak in the U.S.

Officials said this case was a TB contact in the mainland outbreak who moved back to Guam and started developing TB symptoms recently. The patient did not respond to four of the first-line TB treatments.

A follow up contact investigation found one secondary case, health officials confirmed local exposure. 

Epidemiological investigations to determine possible close contacts are underway. 

Public Health added household and social contacts are being evaluated for TB disease and latent TB infection.

They are working with the CDC for onside technical assistance to augment our local response. Officials added TB is spread through the air by coughing, laughing, singing, and sneezing.

The only way to contract the disease is by frequent or close contact with someone with active TB disease.