Created on Tuesday, 26 February 2008 10:40
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Few At Southport Take Follow Up TB Skin Test
Marion County Health Department officials have completed follow-up tuberculosis (TB) testing at Southport High School where a student had a confirmed case of TB disease in December 2007.
49 students, faculty and staff participated in the precautionary, follow-up skin test offered February 25. Those individuals will have their skin tests checked February 28. In December, 364 students, faculty and staff were tested. Of those tested in December, 19 tested positive for TB exposure, meaning they had come in contact with TB at some point in their lifetime, but have not developed TB disease.
“Monday’s turnout was much lower than anticipated. This may be the result of the education efforts of the school administration and the health department and confidence in the fact no additional individuals have become ill,” said John T. Althardt, a spokesman for the Marion County Health Department. “Those who want a follow up TB skin test can contact their physician or the health department to have the test administered,” said Althardt.
The health department also will be offering follow-up TB skin tests at Southport Middle School March 3.
In December, 69 middle school students, faculty and staff received precautionary TB skin tests. Of those tested, 2 individuals were confirmed to have TB exposure.
For more information on the health department’s TB program, please call (317) 221-2110.
