Help Is Sought in Finding Infected Man

Ventura County health and law enforcement authorities are trying to enlist the help of the public in locating a 34-year-old homeless man who is infected with tuberculosis and may be walking the streets.

Authorities said Wednesday an arrest warrant for violating a quarantine order has been issued for Ronald Collins.

Ronald Collins, described as 6-foot-3 and 155 pounds, was placed under quarantine in June, according to a statement issued by the Ventura County district attorney’s office. It did not say when he left isolation and those familiar with the case could not be reached for comment.

Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury and former Ventura County Public Health director Dr. Lawrence Dodds will hold a news conference this morning to discuss Collins’ case and to inform the public on health risks associated with tuberculosis, an infectious disease.

Among other symptoms, tuberculosis causes infected persons to lose weight, and suffer fever, heavy sweating and persistent coughs, authorities say. To be cured, they must follow a strict medication regimen for six months.

The number of tuberculosis cases in the county dropped from 60 in 1990 to 50 last year, but cases have been on the upswing in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the nation.