An active case of tuberculosis was found at a Wake County high school, just several weeks into the new schoolyear, according to a Wake County spokesperson.
Wake County, in an email, told WRAL that they were notified that a person with active tuberculosis was present at Leesville High School sometime last week.
The county is working with the Wake County Public School System to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the person. Those people will be contacted directly with instructions for tuberculosis testing.
We are working to find out how many people might have been affected by this case.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that affects the lungs or other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys or spine. It is spread through the air when someone with TB coughs, sneezes, sings or speaks, according to county’s website.
TB is not spread by shaking hands, kissing, sharing glasses, plates, utensils, clothing, sheets or furniture. While TB can be spread when someone coughs or sneezes, it cannot be spread throughout the air outside.
TB symptoms may include:
- a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer
- pain in the chest
- coughing up blood, spit
- weakness or fatigue
- weight loss, no appetite
- chills, fever, sweating at night
More information on tuberculosis can be found here.
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