DENVER – Health authorities have launched an investigation into a possible tuberculosis exposure at Aurora Hills Middle School, according to a joint release from Aurora Public Schools, Denver Public Health and the Tri-County Health Department.
The authorities said that there is currently no ongoing risk for exposure at the school and said, “It is safe for students and staff to attend school and participate in activities as usual.”
Students and staff members at the school who may have been exposed to TB are being tested, and the school says it is educating students and staff about the disease. The district additionally said that all students, staff and parents at the school have been notified about the potential exposure.
A Denver Public Health spokesperson said they planned to test around 200 people but that she could not release more information due to HIPAA rules.
Denver Public Health says that most people exposed to TB do not get infected, and people who are infected can’t pass the disease to others unless they are sick.
People who are infected but not sick can undergo treatment to eliminate TB, Denver Public Health said. Typical symptoms include a chronic cough, fever and persistent and worsening night sweats.
Anyone who is experiencing such symptoms over an extended period of time can call their care provider to schedule a test or do so at Denver Public Health’s website.
For more information on TB from health officials, click here.
Health officials were also on Wednesday working to notify people who may have been exposed to measles by an individual in Denver last week.