Tuberculosis has been detected at a Ventura County school, prompting a public health investigation.
Ventura County Public Health received positive test results for the potentially fatal bacterial infection on Monday, Aug. 11, the Ventura County Star reports.
The person who tested positive is connected to the McKevett Elementary Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, and though they were not on campus on Monday, “the symptoms started months earlier, raising concerns he or she could have been contagious before school let out for summer,” Ventura County Health Officer Dr. Uldine Castel told the Star.
“We don’t know when they were initially infected,” Castel said.
No information about the infected person, including whether they’re a minor or adult, or if they’re a teacher or student, has been disclosed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common symptoms of TB include:
- A cough that lasts three weeks or longer
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or phlegm from deep inside the lungs
- Weakness or fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Night sweats
Tuberculosis is spread person-to-person through the air. If you think you may have TB or have been exposed, contact your doctor.
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