COLQUITT, Ga. (WTXL) - One case of tuberculosis has been reported at Miller County High School and according to the interim superintendent, "People have no need to panic, it’s curable.”
Jimmy Phillips, Interim Superintendent of Miller County Schools gave us this exclusive statement:
“We are complying with all health department requirements and doing every thing we can. People have no need to panic, it’s curable.”
The investigation into a possible exposure to TB at Miller County High School is well underway, with around 250 kids being tested, public health officials say.
"To date, tests results indicate more than 90 percent of those tested are unaffected by TB infection," said Southwest Health District Health Director Dr. Charles Ruis. "Less than five percent have TB in their system. That's very encouraging."
Dr. Ruis stressed that there is a distinction between tuberculosis infection and disease.
Even if your child hasn't been at a high risk of exposure, you can still schedule an appointment at the Miller County Health Department for a TB skin test. Officials say the fee for this test is $27.
Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Additional information on TB can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/TB/. For more information, contact the Miller County Health Department at 229-758-3344.
