Bunche Middle School possibly exposed to tuberculosis
Students and staff at Bunche Middle School could possibly have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB), according to a letter sent to parents from Fulton County Risk Communicator Lyn Vaughan.
A person who regularly was present at the northwest Atlanta middle school has active TB, although the patient’s identity is confidential, and test results confirmed the active case on March 20. Fulton Heath Services knew about the suspected case around February 23, but preliminary tests for active tuberculosis in the patient were negative.
On Friday, March 13, parents recieved a notice informing them that a possible active case had occured at the school, and when test results confirmed the case on March 20, Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools developed a plan to conduct testing at the school. Parents were notified by letters yesterday.
TB bacteria can be spread through the air when the infected person coughs or sneezes. The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness stated that there is very little chance of breathing in the bacteria unless someone has been in prolonged or close contact with someone who has active TB.
Parents, students and staff can attend an information session at Bunche Middle School tomorrow at 6 p.m., and students and staff can take free TB skin tests on Tuesday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Results from those tests will be available on Thursday, April 2.
