Northville High Student Diagnosed with TB

A student at has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, school officials announced Monday in a note home to parents.

Superintendent Mary K. Gallagher and Principal Robert E. Watson wrote that they were alerting the community because it is a public safety issue. The student was diagonosed during spring break.

The letter stated:  Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB bacteria are released into the air when someone who is ill with Tuberculosis coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected.  Individuals who did not have a prolonged contact with the sick person in a confined area have a low likelihood of becoming infected with Tuberculosis.   Note that individuals cannot get Tuberculosis from someone’s clothes, drinking glass, eating utensils, handshake, toilet, or other surfaces where a TB patient has been.

The high school will be testing staff members and students at higher risk of exposure. The Wayne County Department of Health TB Clinic is also offering testing.

The clinic is located in Westland at 2001 South Merriman Road, Suite 300. Call 734-727-1130 for details.