MERIDIAN, Idaho — This story originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
A Treasure Valley resident has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, prompting an investigation by Central District Health.
The person resides "in the Meridian High School attendance area" and "attended Meridian High School" between August and November of this year, the health district said, but neither their age nor sex was disclosed. The West Ada School District did not say whether the infected person is a student or staff member at the high school.
There is no known ongoing risk at the school and it is safe "for students and staff to attend school and participate in activities as usual," the health district said in a news release.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial disease that is spread through the air via coughing, sneezing or speaking and usually affects a person's lungs, resulting in a chronic cough, fever or night sweats that persist for several weeks and usually get worse, according to the news release. TB may also spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain, kidney or spine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but "can almost always be treated and cured with medicine."
Additionally, most people who are exposed to TB do not get infected, the health district said.
"The general public is not at an increased risk of getting TB as a result of this case," the health district said. There were 15 confirmed infections in Idaho last year — five in Ada County and one in Canyon County, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. So far this year, 10 cases have been confirmed in Central District Health's coverage area, which includes Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties, but statewide data is not yet available.
The health district's investigation aims to determine if any TB transmission occurred at Meridian High School. The release noted that any students and staff members who may have come into contact with the infection person at the school will be notified via letter and need to be tested for TB.
Anyone not contacted by Central District Health does not need to take any action, the release said.
"The district prioritizes the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to work with health officials to monitor the situation and ensure our community is informed," West Ada School District said in an emailed statement.
There will be a free testing clinic for students and staff who were exposed to TB on Thursday, Jan. 2, from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Meridian Library, located at 1326 W. Cherry Lane. Appointments to get tested at the clinic may be made by calling 208-321-2245 or emailing swright@cdh.idaho.gov.
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