Update: Tuberculosis Patient Found in North Carolina Hospital

Update: A 57-year-old tuberculosis patient who left a local Columbia hospital Tuesday has been found in North Carolina, according to a report from The State. 

Louis Rainone, who health officials say left Palmetto Health Richland without the have necessary prescription medication for treatment for the contagious disease, went to a hospital in Lumberton seeking help, The State reports.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a germ that is spread through the air by someone who has TB disease, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.  

It's not clear how Rainone arrived in North Carolina.

According to a report from WLTX, the man was homeless and had been receiving treatment since May.

Read more at The State (subscription required) and WLTX. 

Original story: Local law enforcement agencies are searching for a tuberculosis patient who left a local Columbia hospital. 

Columbia Police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said her department was notified by the hospital Tuesday and that several other agencies have been notified. 

Officials with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control say the man was last seen leaving Palmetto Health Richland and that he does not have necessary prescription medication with him.  

If you see this man, do not approach him.  Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a germ that is spread through the air by someone who has TB disease, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.