Amanda Engel
WMAL.COM
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (WMAL) — Prince George’s County Public School announced Monday that two individuals affiliated with the Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School are being treated for tuberculosis.
“We are not able to identify whether they are students or staff, because we have an obligation to protect their privacy,” said John White, spokesman for Prince George’s County Public Schools.
White also said that parents have been notified and given information about the situation and who they can contact for more information.
Read the full press release below:
SCHOOL NURSES, HEALTH DEPARTMENT SCREENING FOR TUBERCULOSIS AT DR. HENRY A. WISE JR. HIGH SCHOOL
UPPER MARLBORO–Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and the Prince George’s County Health Department have informed staff members and parents of students at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School about two confirmed cases of active tuberculosis (TB). The affected individuals are being treated and there is no risk of additional exposure to any students or staff.
Both PGCPS and county health department officials will meet with the high school staff and parents to provide additional information and answer questions.
“Although the risk of exposure is small, we are working with our health professionals to offer TB screening out of an abundance of caution,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer.
It normally takes at least eight hours of close contact in a small room for TB transmission to occur and the air space is only contagious when an untreated patient is present. A healthy person cannot contract TB from casual exposure such as passing in a hallway or sitting in a cafeteria for an hour.
“The Health Department and PGCPS prioritize the health and safety of all students, staff, and parents. We are working expeditiously to provide information, screening, and any additional follow up to maintain the health and wellness of the Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School community, “ said Ms. Pamela Creekmur, Health Officer.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers several fact sheets on TB exposure and treatment. For more information, parents and guardians should call the Prince George’s County Health Department, TB Control Program, at 301-583-3110.
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