Fulton County health officials tried to serve TB traveler Andrew Speaker with a "medical directive" - advising him not to travel - before he left for his wedding in Greece.

The letter, released to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution under Georgia Open Records Act, says officials "strongly recommend" Speaker to postpone his trip.

The health department said it tried to hand-deliver the letter to Speaker after a May 10 meeting. Speaker and his family maintain he was never told he was any risk to anyone.

The family says the wedding would have been canceled if health officials had told Speaker he was at risk of spreading extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

While who said what during the May 10 meeting remains a matter of dispute, here's what the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness said in their undelivered letter to Speaker.

Speaker left for his wedding early on May 12, rather than May 14, and never received this letter. Speaker and his sister said he left early to get some peace and quiet, not to avoid health officials.

May 11, 2007

(Redacted)

Dear Mr. (Redacted)

This letter shall serve as follow up to Dr. Eric Benning's meeting with you on May 10, 2007. (two lines redacted)

The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness (redacted) has been notified that you are planning to travel to Greece on May 14, 2007. As a precaution it is strongly recommended that you postpone your travel and see a (redacted) specialist in Denver, Colorado. In the event you do not comply with this recommendation the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness (redacted) cannot be responsible for the exposure of this (redacted) to the public. It is imperative that you are aware that you are traveling against medical advice (AMA).

Sincerely,

Aliya Yamin, M.D.

(redacted)

AY/sec

Cc: (redacted)

Dr. Steven Katkowsky - Director, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Dr. Eric Benning - Medical Director, (redacted)