Principal Terry Brown confirmed that five of the people who wereevaluated Wednesday had positive test results.
A positive test result only means that the person tested has beenexposedto tuberculosis. Those who test positive will be givenchest X-rays, further testing, and medication. It can take several monthsto test positive after exposure to the disease, so everyone at the schoolwill be tested again in about three months, according to health departmentofficials.
Some parents were upset that they weren't notifiedbefore the tests were administered.
A letter from the county health director went home with each studentMonday. Principal Brown says that was both within the law and appropriate,given the circumstances.
Health officials say they expected that about 5 percent of those tested would be rated positive, which would be in line with the generalpopulation.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, fatigue, coughing,appetite loss and night sweats.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
