Positive Tuberculosis Case Detected In Delco School District: Reports

DARBY, PA - An individual at Penn Wood Middle School in the William Penn School District has tested positive for tuberculosis, several local media outlets reported, citing the Delaware County Health Department.

Officials are currently working to identify district members who might’ve been exposed to the illness, 6abc reported. The school will remain open while contact tracing is done as tuberculosis is not as contagious as the flu requires prolonged close contact to spread, the Delco Times added.

“The important first step is to identify close contacts of the person who was infected. Those identified as close contacts are being notified by the Health Department for testing arrangements," the DCHD said in a Monday statement, per 6abc.

A request for comment from the Delaware County Health Department was not immediately returned.

Tuberculosis is spread through the air and is not transmitted by activities such as shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink or sharing seating, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is a vaccine for TB, but it isn’t widely used in the U.S., per the CDC.

Concerns should be directed to the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line at (484) 276 - 2100 or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.