(NEWSnet) — A Washington State judge issued an arrest warrant for a woman who has refused to isolate or receive treatment for tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a contagious, infectious and potentially fatal disease. Spread through the air, from person to person.

Health officials brought the issue to the courts after the unidentified woman refused to isolate or receive treatment for more than a year.

The warrant authorizes law enforcement to detain her and transport her to a facility for isolation, testing and treatment.

While officials say it's unclear why the woman refused treatment, they say she threatened suicide repeatedly when papers were being served to her home.

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