Safety Measures Initiated: 135 Individuals at Kentridge High School Advised for Testing Following Active TB Diagnosis

 

Safety Measures Initiated: 135 Individuals at Kentridge High School Advised for Testing Following Active TB Diagnosis

Over 100 individuals from Kentridge High School have been identified for tuberculosis evaluations following the diagnosis of an active tuberculosis case within the school community. The Seattle & King County Public Health department has initiated this precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the school population.

These 135 individuals were selected based on their potential exposure to the diagnosed individual within indoor settings, spanning from March through September of 2023. Tuberculosis, though contagious, is not as easily transmitted as common respiratory illnesses like the cold or flu. To contract tuberculosis, prolonged and repeated exposure to the bacterium within a confined space is typically required.

For those who have been contacted for evaluation, the aim is to detect latent tuberculosis, which is an inactive and non-infectious form of the disease. Detecting latent tuberculosis early allows for the recommendation of treatment to prevent its progression into active tuberculosis, a potentially harmful and infectious condition. According to health officials, an estimated 100,000 individuals in King County have latent tuberculosis, with approximately 5% of them developing active tuberculosis within two years and an additional 5% at risk of developing it over their lifetime.

The individual diagnosed with active tuberculosis is currently undergoing treatment and is not considered contagious. Treatment for tuberculosis typically involves a regimen of antibiotics that lasts between six to nine months. In 2022, there were 111 reported cases of active tuberculosis, resulting in four fatalities due to the infectious disease.

The common symptoms of tuberculosis encompass coughing, chest pain, fever, and night sweats, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic. For more detailed information on the transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis, individuals are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals. The Seattle & King County Public Health department is diligently working to ensure the safety of the school community and the timely management of this situation.