TB testing completed at two schools in Elk Grove district
.JPG "Sacramento County Public Health microbiologist Rifaat Solomon holds test tubes containing patient specimens believed to contain the tuberculosis bacteria.")
Sacramento County public health officials announced that they have completed tuberculosis skin tests for students and staff members at Franklin High School and Franklin Elementary School as part of a continuing investigation after a student at each school was diagnosed with active TB.
The tests were completed Thursday and Friday by the Sacramento County Public Health Division in collaboration with the Elk Grove Unified School District.
Of the 262 students and staff screened at Franklin High School, eight students tested positive for exposure to TB, according to a Public Health Division news release. Eighty-eight students and staff members were screened at Franklin Elementary School, with two testing positive for exposure. Those who tested positive for exposure will be further evaluated with chest X-rays and offered preventive treatment, health officials said.
They noted that none of the tested students is infectious. Students who have a positive skin test but do not display symptoms will not be excluded from school. A second round of testing will be conducted in eight to 10 weeks for those who tested negative. This follow-up step is required because in some people, it may take that long for the body to develop a response to the test.
Health officials stressed that the latent form of TB is not infectious, but it is necessary to provide preventive treatment to stop progression to active disease. Only those with active TB may be infections and can exhibit symptoms such as a cough and fever.
“There is no evidence of transmission with these results,” Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County public health officer, said in a written statement.
Parents who have concerns or questions may call Franklin High School at (916) 714-8150 or Franklin Elementary School at (916) 684-6518.
For questions concerning tuberculosis, call (916) 875-5881.
Call The Bee’s Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
This story was originally published March 20, 2015 at 3:57 PM with the headline "TB testing completed at two schools in Elk Grove district."