Officials investigate one case of tuberculosis at a Guilford County school

Officials with the Division of Public Health said they are investigating a case of tuberculosis at a Guilford County school.After speaking with Guilford County Schools (GCS), the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Division (GCDPH) announced the case involves an individual at Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, North Carolina.Top StoriesNorth Carolina: New state laws go into effect Dec. 1Will North Carolina enjoy a white snowy Christmas? What are the odds of snowfall at Christmas?Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking hereDr. Iulia Vann, the Guilford County Public Health director, said the division was notified about the case on Friday. In response, GCDPH partnered with GCS to send a notification to all Ragsdale High School parents, guardians, and staff informing them of the case investigation.”Though there is no immediate public health risk from this case, we have informed staff, parents, and guardians of students who need to be tested to ensure any potential exposure to TB is identified,” said Vann.TB is a respiratory disease that generally develops over weeks to months. It spreads similarly to the cold or flu but is not as contagious and completely curable with medication.GCDPH and GCS staff said they are working together to identify possible exposures. GCDPH will provide TB testing at no cost this week at the school. Officials said the majority of staff and students will not need any testing or treatment. They also said anyone who has a positive test will be offered medication for treatment at no cost. While the community needs to be aware of the case investigation, officials said there is no immediate risk of health problems related to this case, no further risk of exposure, and no need to limit activities, regardless of exposure. Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscasts NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love |Trending Stories