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Case of Tuberculosis Confirmed in Pasco County

Tuberculosis | Bacteria | Health

The Health Department said it is working with the Pasco school district.

PASCO COUNTY – he Florida Department of Health in Pasco County said it has received confirmation of a case of tuberculosis and is working with Pasco County Schools to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the individual for extended periods of time.

The health department is contacting all involved parties to make sure those who may need it, receive testing. As a precaution a letter informing parents and employees at impacted locations is being distributed and includes information about TB signs and symptoms.

“When we respond to public health events, we need to follow established protocols,” Pasco County health officer Mike Napier said. “Working with Pasco County Schools and parents in this process is key to successfully protecting everyone’s health.”

TB bacteria are spread through the air from one person to another. The TB droplets are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. People with close contact may breathe in these bacteria and could become infected.

Symptoms of TB can include a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, pain in the chest and coughing up blood. Other symptoms can include weakness or fatigue, weight loss, fever, sweating at night, chills and no appetite. TB is not spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes, or kissing.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County said officials are continuing to work closely with Pasco County Schools to assure that all precautions are being taken for the safety of all in the community.

For more information on TB, go to floridahealth.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.

Tuberculosis | Pasco County | Health Department | TB Reporter

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