A high school student in Washington County, Pennsylvania, who was diagnosed with tuberculosis attended school on Monday without a doctor’s clearance. The Charleroi Area School District took immediate action upon learning of the student’s return, isolating them and thoroughly cleaning the areas they occupied.
According to Superintendent Ed Zelich, school staff spoke with officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health about the incident. They confirmed that no public health action is currently necessary for the district, but warned that they will promptly notify the district if any changes occur or additional measures are needed.
Earlier this month, social media posts had been circulating about a possible tuberculosis outbreak in the area. However, Zelich had previously assured the community that there were “no active tuberculosis cases involving Charleroi Area School District students or staff members.” Health officials have promised to alert the district immediately if they learn of an active case.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that spreads through germs from infected people. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. The disease often has gradual symptoms over months, and was once a common respiratory illness in the US, contributing to numerous deaths annually.
Source: https://eu.timesonline.com/story/news/2025/01/13/tuberculosis-pa-high-school-student/77675259007