Tuberculosis

"TB" is short for tuberculosis. TB disease is caused by a bacterium. The bacteria attack the lungs, but can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. SPREAD HOW? TB is spread through the air from one person to another. KEEP SAFE! Cover your mouth when coughing. Cover your nose when sneezing. TESTING FOR IT! Simple skin test. It takes a few minutes. If your skin reacts, it is a positive sign for TB

"TB" es la abreviatura de la tuberculosis. La enfermedad de la tuberculosis es causada por una bacteria. Las bacterias atacan los pulmones, pero puede atacar cualquier parte del cuerpo como los riñones, la espina dorsal y el cerebro. SPREAD HOW? La TB se transmite por el aire de una persona a otra. KEEP SAFE! Cubra su boca al toser. Cúbrase la nariz al estornudar. TESTING FOR IT! Simple prueba cutánea. Se tarda unos minutos. Si su piel reacciona, es un signo positivo para la tuberculosis

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!! In our school district in the past six months along with a neighboring one there may have been students put into an environment conducive to acquiring tuberculosis (TB). More than 3,000 students may have been exposed with this in mind we did research do determine how many if any know have TB and more importantly how this exposure to TB accrued. We found the source of the expose was related to the transportation system that we along with five other school districts use and that there were potential five drivers that could have spread the disease. Of the five drivers only one spread the disease and this was only to one student and one driver. The second driver that contracted TB did not spread the disease. Below is a chart of the drivers and companies that may provide information about the rates of exposure. We ask that ALL students be tested for TB within the week, if you cannot afford to test your child please call the center of disease control at

In at least 2 studies, 60% and 80% of students exposed on school buses tested positive in skin tests for Tuberculosis. DriversCompanies# of Countiespositive skin tests Driver 1A20.80% Driver 2B1 of 20.30% Driver 3B1 of 29.90% Driver 4B1 of 21.10% Driver 5C1 of 20.70% 2 counties 11 school districts 49 schools kids overall

Just as a reminder We feel the need to inform all those that may have been infected what TB is and the symptoms associated with this bacterial infection along with how it is spread. Tuberculosis is caused by a particular germ cell that usually attacks the lungs. When a person has this infection they can spread it through the air. This includes coughing, sneezing, talking close to someone, and kissing. Below is a list of symptoms that are associated with TB1. Weight loss Coughing up blood or mucus Weakness or fatigue Fever and chills Night sweats

Since a case of the flu or other illnesses can have the same symptoms we ask again please test all of those that may have been exposed for TB can be FATAL! The tuberculosis skin test known as Mantoux is the test we are asking all those that may have been exposed to take. In short the doctor will be putting just a piece of the bacteria into your body via a needle in the forearm. It is important to know that you cannot be infected by the test. After this is done you will be asked to return a couple of days later2. If your body has been exposed to TB a bump will appear were you got the shot. The doctor will measure the size of the bump to determine if you have been infected. If you are determined to have TB there is a very effective treatment option. Although you would have to take several pills for six to eight months the infection can be killed. It is important to understand that you have to take the entire pill cocktail for the duration of the treatment otherwise the infection could start back up.