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05/03/2004 Public Health Update: TB Testing Begins at Local High School

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Today employees from San Mateo County Public Health in conjunction with school district staff screened and tested 137 Aragon High students and 19 staff for possible exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As was noted last week, this investigation began after one student was hospitalized with potentially infectious TB. State lab testing confirmed the presence of TB and also showed that the bacteria is sensitive to the typical antibiotics used in treatment. Letters were sent to parents last week informing them of the situation and letting them know that all kids who may have been exposed should be tested. Children who test positive on the skin test will be referred either to their regular doctor or to San Mateo Medical Center for follow-up evaluation and chest x-ray. TB infection is generally transmitted through the air, and is not spread by dishes, linens, and items that are touched, or by sharing food. TB is also killed by sunshine and is rapidly dispersed by moving air. Concerned parents and pediatricians should contact Aragon High administration to see if their child is listed as a close contact of the student with tuberculosis. Contact Information: Beverly Thames, Public Information Officer, (650) 573-3935 For more information on TB, visit these Web sites: Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/faqs/qa.htm  California Tuberculosis Controller's Association http://www.ctca.org/links.htm#Links San Mateo County Health Services Agency http://www.smhealth.org/