Student at Kingwood school contracts tuberculosis

  

KINGWOOD, TX (KTRK) -- We learned Wednesday that a student in the Houston area has contracted tuberculosis.

The student attends Kingwood Park High School. On Wednesday, letters was sent to parents and teachers, notifying them about the student and what action has been taken to ensure that it doesn't spread. At this point, we don't know the student's grade, gender or condition.

Symptoms of TB include coughing, fever, night sweats or extreme fatigue.

The Houston Department of Health will hold a parent meeting Thursday at 6pm in the Kingwood Park High School Auditorium to discuss this case.

Dear Parents and Teachers:

Kingwood Park High School has been notified that a student is suspected of having Tuberculosis. Persons identified as potential contacts have been notified.

An Active Tuberculosis Suspect or Case should have signs and symptoms consistent with TB disease such as an unexplained cough for at least 3 weeks, unintentional weight loss, hemoptysis, fever, night sweats or extreme fatigue. In a child, tuberculosis can present as a failure to thrive. A pulmonary TB case or suspect would likely have an abnormal chest x-ray. A person with overwhelming TB or other immuno-compromising issues may not have a positive skin test. Subsequent evaluation by the Health Department may show AFB positive sputum specimen and laboratory confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on culture or a positive DNA probe. As required by law, a medical professional must report tuberculosis suspects upon suspicion to the local health department. Suspected or confirmed TB cases will be provided medical management care by the Houston Department of Health. Medications will be provided by the Health Department and administered by directly observed therapy (DOT) following CDC guidelines.

The health and well-being of the students, school district employees and the community is Public Health's top priority. The Houston Department of Health wants to make sure that you have accurate information and that your questions are answered. The Houston Department of Health will hold a parent meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 6:00 PM in the Kingwood Park High School Auditorium.

If you have any questions, you may call (281) 641-6602.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping this community healthy.

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