1 Jackson student exposed to TB, but no new cases

2 students recovering from disease

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Of 68 Andrew Jackson High School students and faculty tested for tuberculosis so far, one student tested positive for exposure, but there were no additional active cases of the disease, according to the Duval County Health Department.

The testing was conducted after two cases of active TB were found earlier this month. At last report, both were at home and expected to recover.

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TB is a respiratory disease and doctors say it is treatable.

Of nearly 700 students at Jackson, only 100 and six staff were to be tested because they shared the same space and breathed the same air with one of those infected for at least 20 minutes.

TB is caused by germs spread from person to person in close contact through the air. TB germs are put in the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. Persons who breathe in the air containing TB germs can become infected.

Some of the symptoms are weakness, fever, night sweats and coughing. While health officials are doing more extensive tests on those students possibly exposed, they will be drawing blood.

Click to view frequently asked questions about tuberculosis, and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information.


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.