Public Health investigating tuberculosis case at Heritage

Clark County Public Health is investigating an active case of tuberculosis connected to Heritage High School. The likelihood of the disease spreading is low, according to the department.

A local health care provider reported the case June 4, and Public Health confirmed the case two days later. The TB patient spent time in the school prior to it being closed in March. The individual had close contact with 150 students and staff during that time, according to Public Health.

Public Health is reaching out to those 150 individuals to alert them of the potential exposure, and to direct them on how to seek tuberculosis testing. The department is also investigating other locations where the person may have spent prolonged periods of time to notify those who may have been exposed.

Health privacy laws prevent the department from disclosing the patient’s name or exact connection to the high school.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria spread from person to person through the air, according to Public Health. The disease is usually spread through prolonged close contact with someone who is contagious.

Active tuberculosis does not develop immediately after a person is infected, and early identification can prevent the disease from becoming active. Patients with active symptoms are treated with antibiotics.