The Michigan Department of Community Health has confirmed a Troy High School student has tested positive for tuberculosis (TB). Oakland County's Health Division is working with Troy Public Schools to identify any classmates who need to be tested. The Health Division will follow-up with all those identified for further evaluation and/or treatment. TB is a treatable disease.
"We want to assure members of the Troy High School community that Oakland County Health Division will conduct the necessary tests to determine whether there are any additional cases," said Kathy Forzley, manager/health officer of the Health Division. "If any additional cases are identified, the Health Division will follow-up with that individual on the appropriate course of treatment."
A letter was sent home today to parents of Troy High School students indicating how additional testing will be done. Students identified as having possible contact with the student diagnosed with TB will be tested next week. It will be determined from the initial tests whether further testing is necessary.
Oakland County Health Division's Nurse on Call is available at 248-858-1406 or toll free at 800-848-5533 to answer questions. Nurse on Call hours will be extended on Friday, April 19 until 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, April 21, noon-3 p.m.; and Monday, April 22, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Regular hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 p.m.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through close exposure to droplets from coughing or sneezing. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. People infected with TB can be treated.
The germ is spread by droplets when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes. TB is not spread through casual contact but rather repeated exposure in close proximity. This includes family members, close friends and co-workers. Tuberculosis is not spread by contact in large, open areas or by handling an ill person's eating utensils, books or furniture.
Symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. TB disease symptoms may include: coughing up blood or sputum; weakness or fatigue; weight loss; no appetite; pain in the chest; a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer; sweating at night; and chills/fever.
For more information, visit Health Division's website at www.oakgov.com/health.