More testing after students test for tuberculosis
February 09, 2012 9:27 AM
LONGMONT — Health officials have ordered that all students and staff at Longmont High School be tested for tuberculosis after about 40 percent of those tested showed signs of exposure.
So far, only one student has come down with the disease.
According to the Longmont Times-Call (http://bit.ly/ySjo4g ), health officials are being cautious because tuberculosis cannot be transmitted unless a patient is actively ill.
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, and can lead to symptoms such as chest pain and coughing up blood. The disease is easily treated by antibiotics, but can be fatal.
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Information from: Daily Times-Call, http://timescall.com/
