Tuberculosis At Joliet West High School: What School Officials Know

JOLIET — A recent Waukegan High School case involving a student testing positive for tuberculosis made the Chicago television stations, but last week's announcement involving a tuberculosis case at Joliet West High School was only shared in-house. The message was sent to families of Joliet West High School students and not with the community at large.

"We are writing to inform you that a student at Joliet West High School has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. We are working in partnership with the Sunny Hill tuberculosis clinic and have notified students or staff members who have been in close contact with the affected student," Joliet Township High School staff notified some Joliet West families.

According to the District 204 announcement, "if you did not receive a notice, your student is not considered a 'contact' and has not been exposed."

Joliet Township District 204 advised that "tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. The student at Joliet West diagnosed with TB is receiving "appropriate medical treatment and has been advised to stay home until they are no longer contagious."

The announcement geared for Joliet West parents noted that the TB symptoms include persistent coughing, fever, night sweats and weight loss.

"The school will continue to follow all health guidelines in partnership with Sunny Hill Tuberculosis Clinci," District 204 advised.