TB

TB case reported in Pasco County Schools

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County received confirmation of a case of tuberculosis and is working with Pasco County Schools to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the individual for extended periods of time.

TB
Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria/CDC

The health department is contacting all involved parties to make sure those who may need it, receive testing. As a precaution a letter informing parents and employees at impacted locations is being distributed and includes information about TB signs and symptoms.

“When we respond to public health events, we need to follow established protocols”; says County Health Officer, Mike Napier. “Working with Pasco County Schools and parents in this process is key to successfully protecting everyone’s health.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

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