KALAMAZOO, Mich. — An investigation is being launched after an individual at a local school was diagnosed with tuberculosis.
An individual was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB) at Kalamazoo Central High School, according to health officials.
The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department (HCS) notified Kalamazoo Public Schools, and confirmed the individual is isolated and undergoing treatment.
HCS is working with the school district to identify anyone who may have spent extended periods of time around the person with TB.
The identified individuals will be notified soon, and will be provided a questionnaire and information on testing. Testing will be held at the school at no cost to the individual.
TB is spread through person to person through the air. It usually affects the lungs, but can affect areas like the brain, kidneys, or the spine, according to health officials.
TB is contagious, although it does not spread as easily as other illnesses, like the cold or flu. It cannot be transferred through shaking hands, sharing food or drink, sharing toothbrushes, kissing, or touching bed linens or toilet seats.
“Although tuberculosis can be a serious disease, it is a treatable infection. We are working closely with Kalamazoo Public Schools to ensure the safety and health of all staff and students,” said Dr. William Nettleton, Medical Director of Kalamazoo County HCS.
Two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB (inactive TB) and active TB disease. Latent TB patients test positive for TB, but show no symptoms and can’t spread the disease to others, while active TB patients show symptoms and can spread the disease.
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