Confirmed tuberculosis box at the Kalamazoo school, health officials launch an investigation

Kalamazoo, Michigan – According to health officials.

The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department informed Kalamazoo public schools and confirmed that the individual was isolated and undergoing treatment.

Friday, HCS works with the school district to identify anyone who was able to spend long periods around the person with TB.

The people identified will soon be informed and will receive a questionnaire and information on the tests, said officials. The tests will take place at school at no cost for the individual.

Active tuberculosis spreads by person in person in the air. It generally affects the lungs, but can affect areas such as brain, kidneys or spine, according to health officials.

Tuberculosis is contagious, although it does not spread as easily as other diseases, such as colds or flu.

He cannot be transferred by shaking his hand, sharing food or drink, sharing toothbrushes, kissing or touching bed sheets or toilet seats, officials said.

“Although tuberculosis can be a serious illness, 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.

There are two conditions related to tuberculosis: latent tuberculosis (inactive TB) and active TB disease.

Tuberculosis latent patients are tested positive for tuberculosis, but have no symptoms and cannot distribute the disease to others, while active TB patients have symptoms and can spread the disease.

“Often people may not know that they were exposed to tuberculosis, were not treated for this, then years later, then the signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis can emerge,” said declared Nettleton.

Dr. Nettleton told News Channel 3 that he had seen 17 cases of active tuberculosis in the past five years.

According to Nettleton, people can catch tuberculosis by spending long periods in close spaces, and this will often be spread among families for this reason.

“It can start gradually, but then last for months,” said Nettleton.

The survey begins by evaluating the diagnosed individual, the environment in which they are and those around them, according to Nettleton.

If they find that someone has been exposed, they will inform these people and inform them of the test options.

These people will have the possibility of having a skin or blood test, according to Nettleton.

“I foresee that we will be able to identify those exposed next week, then people will receive a notification in the next steps,” Nettleton told News Channel 3.

In the meantime, people should watch themselves and their children for active tuberculosis symptoms, Nettleton suggested.

Symptoms may include a cough, with or without blood, weight loss, lack of energy and swollen glands.