Fairfax County, Va., health officials are scrambling to get on top of a tuberculosis outbreak that hit an area school on Thursday, when three tested positive for the bacteria.
They’ve contacted about 430 people, advising them to get tested, CNN reported. The 430 were selected because they may have been exposed to the three who tested positive. The health officials refused to disclose whether the infected three were teachers or students, CNN said.
Fairfax County is one of the largest — and wealthiest – in the commonwealth.
TB can be fatal, and it’s easily spread. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But they can also attack kidneys, the spine and the brain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Speedy treatment is key to avoid death.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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