LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a case of Tuberculosis (TB) at a Las Vegas high school.
The case was confirmed at Palo Verde High School and it is unclear if it was a student or staff member who contracted the bacterial disease.
TB is not transmitted through touching or handling objects, however, it can spread by breathing the same air over some time.
The health district plans to notify those identified as being a close contact on or around November 29. By law, a tuberculin test is required for those who are considered a close contact.
The Southern Nevada Health District received a report of a person with TB disease and is conducting a TB contact investigation at Palo Verde High School. The Health District is working with the school to identify students, teachers and staff that may have been exposed and will need testing. This is an ongoing investigation, and the Health District will be notifying people who may be at risk so they can be tested. TB bacteria can be spread through the air when a person with TB disease coughs, speaks, or sings. People who are nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. It is most likely spread to people they are around more frequently and for longer periods. TB remains a public health concern here and across the country, and the Health District conducts very thorough investigations to identify and treat people with TB infection or active TB disease when they are identified in Clark County.
A full letter was sent to Palo Verde parents.
Dear PVHS Parent/Guardian and Faculty:
I am reaching out today to inform you that an individual at Palo Verde High School was diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted between persons in close, repeated contact by breathing the same air over a period of time. TB is not transmitted through touching or handling objects. The Centers for Disease Control TB Information and the SNHD TB Information provide references to the TB signs and symptoms.
The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is working with the Clark County School District regarding possible student(s) and staff health concerns and is creating a testing plan for close contacts. The SNHD will directly notify those identified individuals deemed as a close contact as they complete their investigation on or about Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
According to NRS 44IA.365, a tuberculin test is mandatory and required by law for those considered a close contact. Therefore, the SNHD will coordinate the testing of student(s) and staff who are considered a close contact. TB testing will be offered January 3 and 4, 2024, for identified persons deemed by SNHD at no charge to the student(s) and staff at Palo Verde High School.
The purpose of this letter is to inform you of this health-related situation and it was important to me that I communicate with the community as soon as possible with the information that is currently available. If an individual is not feeling well, please follow up with your local healthcare practitioner or contact the SNHD for further guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the SNHD at (702) 759-1015.
Sincerely,
This is a developing story.
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