JAY – Verso Paper is working with Maine health officials on the recent reported case of tuberculosis after a non-mill employee working at the Androscoggin Mill was hospitalized with the active disease more than a week ago.

A team of public health nurses screened 40 people for tuberculosis at the mill Tuesday.

“While I know the media has questions about this reported case, our first and foremost priority is the health and welfare of our employees and others that work at our mill. This includes our respect for the privacy all our people,” mill Manager Dick Jackson said in a news release.

Jackson continued, “We have been, and will continue, working with the proper health authorities to see that acceptable protocol is carried out. This includes holding educational sessions for those that may want more information or have questions. We will make no further public comment on this case.”

The worker confirmed to have tuberculosis has been hospitalized for more than a week, state epidemiologist Dr. Kathleen Gensheimer said Tuesday.

Others tested Tuesday for the disease were determined to have been in close, prolonged contact with the infected individual, she said.

There have been 10 confirmed cases of tuberculosis in Maine this year, Gensheimer said. There were 17 cases in 2006.