OLATHE, Kan. — Additional tuberculosis testing ordered last week for staff and students at Olathe Northwest High School revealed that four more people have TB infection, joining 27 other cases that were found after an initial round of testing. The screenings stemmed from a student who tested positive for active tuberculosis disease in March; those who were tested may have had contact with that student.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment report that officials have called the four who tested positive and sent letters to those who tested negative. The 31 individuals with TB infection are not contagious, do not feel sick and do not have TB symptoms according to the health departments. They will get chest x-rays and take antibiotics to kill bacteria and prevent development of TB disease.
“Early identification and treatment of TB infection is the key to preventing progression to TB disease,” Lougene Marsh, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, stated in a news release.
“We continue to work closely with the school and KDHE in this investigation to ensure that all precautions are being taken for the safety of everyone in the school and the community.”
Approximately 375 students and staff members who have been tested will be retested again in May because TB can take up to eight weeks to show up. Anyone with questions about the results can call (913) 826-1224. The CDC also has more information at this link.
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