Tuberculosis Case Identified At MI High School

KALAMAZOO, MI — Health officials are investigating an active Tuberculosis case in west Michigan, according to officials.

The case involves an individual at Kalamazoo Central High School, though officials did not say if this is a student, staff or faculty.

The person is isolated from others and is undergoing treatment, according to the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department.

Officials are working with the school district to identify anyone who may have "spent extended periods of time around the person with TB while they were potentially contagious."

Officials will send those individuals a questionnaire and information about testing, which will be held at the school at no cost, according to health officials.

"KPS is taking guidance from the health department and is collaborating on the response," Kalamazoo Superintendent Darrin Slade said in an announcement. "We send our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the individual diagnosed."

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by germs that spread from person to person through the air. It usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys or the spine, according to health officials.

The disease is uncommon but if contracted, the complications can be serious.

Here are the symptoms to look out for:

• Persistent cough
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

Not everyone infected with Tuberculosis will get sick, according to health officials.

People cannot get Tuberculosis from shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, sharing toothbrushes or school supplies, kissing, or touching bed linens or toilet seats, according to health officials.

In most cases, people will have a latent infection that does not progress to an "active" disease. This is why it is important to be treated, officials said.

"Although tuberculosis can be a serious disease, it is a treatable infection. We are working closely with Kalamazoo Public Schools to ensure the safety and health of all staff and students," said William Nettleton, Medical Director of Kalamazoo County HCS.