TB tests being given to school in Round Rock school district

By Laura Heinauer

Update 3:10 p.m.: Just got some additional information from the health department: About 50 students and staff were tested this morning.

“We don’t believe the TB patient was very infectious, but as a precaution and in order to follow standard investigation protocols, we’re testing whoever might have been in close, day-to-day contact with the TB patient,” said Carole Barasch, the manager of communications & community development for the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department.

Earlier Some students and staff at Laurel Mountain Elementary in the Round Rock school district are being tested for tuberculosis after a person at the school was confirmed to have the disease, according to local health officials.

Tuberculosis is a disease affecting the lungs and other parts of the body and can be spread though the air when an infected, untreated person coughs or speaks.

According to a letter sent home to parents from the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department dated December 2, person was identified as having the disease December 1 and was undergoing treatment. Officials said the identity and any other information of the person who was infected would not be released.

source: http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/education/entries/2010/12/07/tb_tests_being_given_to_school.html?cxntfid=blogs_homeroom?cxtype=rss_news