The Virginia Department of Health is working with Rockingham County Public Schools after an active case of tuberculosis was discovered in the school community.
The school was not identified.
The VDH and officials from the Harrisonburg Rockingham Health Department are conducting contact tracing to notify individuals who had close contact with the individual.
“Rockingham County Public Schools has been informed of a confirmed case of tuberculosis within our school community. We are working closely in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” read a statement from RCPS. “Anyone not directly contacted by VDH is not considered to have been potentially exposed.”
Anyone with questions about potential exposure to TB is asked to contact the VDH or a primary care doctor.
“Due to confidentiality and privacy laws, we are prohibited from providing certain specific information. Individuals who are at risk will be individually notified by the health department,” a spokesperson for VDH told WHSV. “The health department follows CDC guidelines for investigation of persons potentially exposed to TB. The local health district is also consulting with the state TB program office.”
A TB screening/testing event is planned for anyone who may be at risk. The VDH will provide details on the event to those identified at risk through contact tracing. A blood or skin test can tell if you have been infected with TB germs.
TB is a disease that generally affects the lungs, and sometimes other parts of the body including the brain, kidneys or the spine. Germs are spread through the air – and not spread by sharing utensils or cups or during brief contact such as a handshake or hug.
People with TB disease report symptoms including feeling weak or sick, losing weight, fever and night sweats. They may also have chest pain or cough up blood if the disease is in their lungs, according to VDH.
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Crystal Graham
