CLEVELAND — A suspected active case of tuberculosis has been identified in an individual associated with a middle school in Ashtabula County, the county's health commissioner announced.
Jay Becker, Ashtabula County Health Commissioner, announced in a news release Wednesday that the suspected case was found at Geneva Middle School. Becker underlined that it was not a confirmed case at the time and the person was staying home from school while further testing was done.
Becker had more details in a release sent out on Thursday, including that his department is conducting contact tracing.
"The Health Department is working with the family and the individual’s healthcare provider to gather more information. In conjunction with school officials and staff, we are in the process of evaluating students and staff who have potentially been exposed," Becker wrote on Thursday.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that mainly affects the lungs. It is potentially serious but treatable with medication.
"The most common way to become infected with TB bacteria is by spending a lot of time with a person who has active TB in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. In general, TB is not easily spread, but if an individual is identified as being an at-risk contact, we will reach out to them," Becker explained. "If someone has been exposed to TB, it takes weeks to months for them to develop symptoms."
According to Becker, the state of Ohio sees approximately 150 cases of TB annually. "The current investigation under way is the standard procedure for a suspected TB case and is an important step in helping prevent the spread of TB," he added.
Becker said any community members with questions about the suspected tuberculosis case can call the health department at 440-576-6010 and dial option 2 for nursing.
Read Becker's entire letter sent on Thursday below:
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