LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Clark County School District confirmed to FOX5 that a person at a Las Vegas elementary school recently tested positive for active tuberculosis (TB).
A letter sent to parents Tuesday from Helen Jedstrup Elementary School Principal Christina M. Miani said, “The Southern Nevada Health District is working with the school to discuss the student’s health concerns and develop a testing plan” for those who came in close contact with the individual.
It was not immediately known whether the infected person was related to the school, a parent, employee or student.
According to the letter, SNHD is advising the school, “Students who may have had close personal contact with this person for a period of time.”
The letter advises SNHD that “other than students in the above circumstances, students are not at risk.”
In the letter, tuberculosis is “a bacterial disease that can be transmitted between people who come in close and frequent contact by breathing the same air over a period of time. Tuberculosis is not spread by touching or touching objects.”
Miyani’s letter said additional reminders will be sent to those who qualify for the exam.
In the letter, the school notes that tuberculin testing is mandatory and required by law pursuant to NRS 44IA.365. According to the letter, the examination of students and teachers will begin on Thursday.
The school said it will give parents the option to take their students to Quest Laboratories at no charge.
According to the letter, “TB surveillance testing will begin the week of March 20, and reminders will be sent to that date.”
The Southern Nevada Health District issued the following statement:
“The Southern Nevada Health District is conducting TB screening involving students, staff and faculty. The Health District is working closely to identify individuals who need testing and to provide additional information and resources as needed. TB continues to be a public health threat here and across the country, and the Health District has hidden TB. Actively tests to identify and treat people with infection or active TB disease in Clark County when they are identified.
The full copy of the letter sent to parents can be read below.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/CQCOMOZFTNBSJPJLEYOYGCI5V4.png?resize=640%2C514&ssl=1)
Copyright 2023 KVVU. all rights reserved.