Pennsylvania Department of Health officials confirmed Tuesday they are investigating a case of tuberculosis involving a Wheatland Middle School student.
Letters were sent to parents and guardians on Monday–notifying them that the district is working with public health officials to identify students and staff who may have been exposed to the unnamed student, according to administrators with The School District of Lancaster.
A Mantoux screening test will then be administered to determine if they were in fact exposed to TB.
The screening will be conducted in the near future, the letter explains.
Results of those tests will determine if further steps and treatment are necessary, school officials said.
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria, which can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks , sings or sneezes. The disease is not easily transmitted and is curable with antibiotics.
Symptoms of TB include a cough that lasts longer than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, chest pain, night sweats, fatigue, weakness, nausea, fever, chills and coughing up blood.
Concerned parents or guardians should contact their family doctor or the school nurse for more information.