Public Health Department investigating possible Tuberculosis exposure at East Columbus Jr/Sr High School
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Public Health Department is investigating a case of Tuberculosis (TB) involving a person at East Columbus Jr/Sr High School located in Lake Waccamaw.
According to Kim Smith, Health Director, the department was notified on December 21st of the case.
A joint letter from Kim Smith, Dr. Deanne Meadows, Superintendent of CCS and Dr. Kenneth Bowen, Principal of ECJSHS, has been sent to the ECJSHS parents and guardians of possible exposed students, informing them of the case and the need to have their child tested.
“Though there is no immediate public health risk from this exposure, we are investigating the possible exposures and will inform staff and parents/guardians of students who need to be tested to ensure that any potential exposure to TB is identified,” Kim Smith said.
Public Health, School Nurses and Columbus County School staff are working together to identify possible exposures. Public Health will provide TB testing at no cost at the school. The majority of staff and students will not need any testing or treatment, according to a press release.
Anyone who has a positive test will be offered medication for treatment at no cost. Post-exposure treatment prevents the development of TB.
“We appreciate the quick and thorough response by the Columbus County Health Department,” said Dr. Deanne Meadows. “We rely heavily on their expertise and guidance.”
TB is a respiratory disease that generally develops over weeks to months. TB spreads similar to the cold or flu, but is not as contagious and is completely curable with medication if the treatment is completed.
