SDCC says person at Las Vegas elementary school diagnosed with TB

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Clark County School District has confirmed to FOX5 that a person at a Las Vegas elementary school was recently diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

According to a letter sent to parents Tuesday by Helen Jydstrup Elementary Principal Christina M. Miani, “The Southern Nevada Health District is working with the school to discuss any student health concerns and create a testing plan.” for those who might have come into close contact with the person.

It was not immediately clear what the infected person’s relationship is to the school, whether as a parent, staff member or student.

According to the letter, SNHD advises the school “that the students at risk of infection are those who have come into close and personal contact with this person for a period of time.”

The letter says SNHD says “students other than those in the above circumstances are not considered at risk.”

The letter notes that tuberculosis is a “bacterial disease that can be transmitted between people who are in close and repeated contact by breathing the same air for a period of time. Tuberculosis is not transmitted by touching or handling objects.

Miani’s letter said additional notices would be sent to those who meet the testing criteria.

In the letter, the school reminds that a tuberculin test is compulsory and required by law, according to NRS 44IA.365. Testing for students and faculty will begin on Thursday, according to the letter.

The school says parents will have the option of taking their student to Quest Labs for testing at no charge.

“Follow-up TB testing will begin the week of March 20 and reminders will be sent closer to that date,” the letter said.

The Southern Nevada Health District provided the statement below:

“The Southern Nevada Health District is conducting a TB investigation that involves students, staff, and faculty. The health district is working closely to identify people who will need to be tested and to provide them with additional information and resources as needed. Tuberculosis remains a public health problem here and throughout the country, and the health district conducts proactive investigations to identify and treat people with latent TB infection or active TB whenever they are identified. in Clark County.

A full copy of the letter to parents can be read below:

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