District Confirms Tuberculosis Case at Commack High School

A person at has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, according to a message posted on the district's website Tuesday.

The district did not identify the individual or say whether they are a student or faculty member. 

The post stated that the Suffolk County Department of Health alerted the district of the case. "The affected individual is presently receiving treatment and is not currently in attendance as a staff member or student. Therefore, there is no further risk of transmission," the message said.

Letters have been mailed to the parents of all high school students and each high school staff member, the posting said. A separate letter was sent to all students and staff who were identified as having been in close contact with the infected individual as well.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services will conduct two general information sessions for parents on Thursday, Oct. 13 and Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

In addition, district's website offers links to information about the disease and directs parents and staff to call the county Department of Health Services at 631-787-2200, with questions.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted through the air by an infected person. Symptoms include a severe cough that lasts more than three weeks, night sweats and coughing up blood or phlegm.