OCALA, Fla. (AP) — Twelve people have test positive for tuberculosis exposure after coming in contact with a TB-infected high school student in north Florida.
Marion County health officials say the 12 had been in close contact with a North Marion High School student who tested positive in July.
They say the 12 have not come down with the disease and are not contagious, but could if they don't receive preventative treatment.
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that usually affects the lungs but can affect other organs.
Symptoms include a cough lasting more than three weeks, night sweats lasting more than a week, unexplained weight loss, a productive cough or coughing up blood. The side effects of TB include fatigue, shortness of breath, and/or chest pain or tightness. It is potentially fatal if untreated.
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Information from: Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner
