Seven students and one adult tested positive for tuberculosis at Charlotte Central School this week, according to Health Department officials.
A positive test for tuberculosis only means a person has tuberculosis bacteria in their body, and does not mean they are sick with the disease, according to a news release from the department.
There is no risk to students at the school, according to the department, and one person who has active tuberculosis will not return to the school.
Because of the positive results in the initial round of 150 students tested, the Health Department will expand skin testing to all students. Officials are working with the school to arrange for additional skin test clinics within the next few weeks.
The tuberculosis vaccine is not widely used in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but it is often given to infants and small children in other countries where the disease is common.
The vaccine should only be considered in the U.S. for children who have had a negative test, and have continual exposure to adults with the disease who aren’t receiving proper treatment, according to the CDC.
For more information contact a health professional or the Health Department at 862-7200.
