Tuberculosis exposure reported at Springdale Har-Ber, ADH says
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A tuberculosis case has been confirmed at Springdale Har-Ber High School, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
Meg Mirivel, ADH communications director, shared a letter with students and staff who came in contact with a person who was diagnosed with tuberculosis.
The letter reads, “The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has been notified that your child may have come in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). ADH strongly recommends your child be tested for TB to determine they are not infected.”
The ADH says TB is a type of bacteria that spreads through the air.
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Symptoms of TB can include a cough lasting three weeks or longer, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, unplanned weight loss, fatigue, and chest pain, according to the ADH.
The letter says that infected people may not show any symptoms but the infection can develop into a severe illness if it is not found early and treated.
Springdale Public Schools says they will follow the guidelines from the ADH.
According to the latest data from the Arkansas Department of Health, 68 cases of tuberculosis were reported in 2022.
Springdale Har-Ber has 2,274 students, according to the Arkansas Department of Education.
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