Arrest warrant issued for tuberculosis patient

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An arrest warrant has been issued for a Santa Barbara-area man with a contagious case of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Santa Barbara County health department officials say 24-year-old Agustin Zeferino discontinued treatment for the disease two weeks ago.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a highly contagious and rare form of the disease that can be spread by coughing or sneezing. It is potentially life threatening, but it is curable.

Health officials say Zeferino poses a serious health risk to anyone who comes in contact with him. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is urged to call 911.

In July, a Northern California transient was located and arrested for refusing treatment for tuberculosis. Eduardo Rosas Cruz, 25, was arrested during a traffic stop in Kern County, prosecutors said.