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New Hampshire Struggles to Isolate TB Patient Amid Cuts
2 Apr
Summary
- State budget cuts hinder public health operations for TB containment.
- An uncooperative man with active tuberculosis is resisting isolation orders.
- Limited funding restricts options for isolating the infectious individual.
New Hampshire's Division of Public Health is facing significant budget constraints, impacting its ability to manage public health threats. Director Iain N. Watt stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) must find over $25 million in annual savings, creating a "budget crunch." This financial pressure complicates efforts to deal with Nearro F. Forbes, 41, who has active tuberculosis and is resisting a court-ordered isolation.
Forbes has repeatedly failed to comply with isolation orders since October 1, 2025, leaving hospitals and treatment facilities. His latest court appearance on April 2, 2026, resulted in a judge affirming the isolation order, requiring him to isolate for at least 30 days and undergo medical treatment. The state has offered testing and contact tracing for over 650 potentially exposed individuals in Nashua and Manchester.
The state's limited budget prevents the use of a security detail, which was previously considered necessary for isolating Forbes. Officials are exploring options, including a potential misdemeanor charge for non-compliance, as traditional avenues for care and isolation are becoming exhausted. This case underscores the delicate balance between public health mandates and resource allocation.
