TWO judges were among workers at the Supreme Court who were tested on Friday for the potentially deadly disease Tuberculosis (TB), following the recent discovery that a staff member had contracted the airborne infection.

The two judges tested had come in contact with the infected worker, according to Observer sources.

Sources also say that a few police personnel were also tested.

The tests were conducted at the High Court building in downtown Kingston by Public Health Department workers, who are expected to complete the process tomorrow, in an effort to determine the source of the disease.

"They are testing everybody he [the infected worker] may have come in contact with. I'm concerned not only for myself, but for my child," said one source.

More than 40 people work in the Civil Registry department.

It was discovered that the male employee, who works in the computer room at the Civil Registry, was infected with TB about two months ago. He was diagnosed when he visited his doctor for a persistent chest pain, the Sunday Observer was told. The worker is currently being treated at home.

On Friday, staff members were being briefed on the disease, which though treatable with antibiotics, can be deadly if goes unchecked.

Concerns were also raised about lawyers' clerks, who may have come in contact with the worker.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.