Walton High School Students Tested for Tuberculosis After Possible Exposure

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Around 300 students and staff members at Walton High School were tested for tuberculosis on Tuesday after a possible exposure.

The Cobb & Douglas County Public Health Department, in collaboration with Cobb County Schools, identified those potentially exposed to the infection. Cobb County Schools notified students and staff requiring testing at the beginning of the day.

“Some kids got slips in their homeroom. I didn’t know there was that many,” said a student who was not required to get tested.

HIPAA Restrictions and Parental Concern

Due to HIPAA guidelines, the department and school district cannot release the names of those who may have been exposed.

Despite these restrictions, parents expressed gratitude for the proactive steps taken by the health department and school district to contain the potential spread of tuberculosis.

” I’m all for the testing, definitely do that. But it concerns me that it is in existence. That’s a worry,” said parent John Cullom.

Kristina Moreno, another parent, commended the school system, stating, “I do love the school system is proactive and is taking preventative care for the students.

Testing and Treatment Protocol

Students and staff who didn’t get tested on Tuesday need to see their physician for testing and provide a written report confirming the results.

Health officials will return to the school on Thursday to read and measure reactions to the tests.

A positive test result indicates exposure to someone with active tuberculosis. Individuals with positive results will then undergo a chest X-ray to rule out active disease.

If the X-ray is negative, they will receive preventative medication. If the X-ray is positive, they will be treated for tuberculosis.

While tuberculosis can be deadly if untreated, most people infected with the bacteria fully recover.

Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis

The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that tuberculosis germs spread through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. Touching, sharing food or drinks, or using the same bed linens cannot transmit the disease.

“It is important to know that a person who is exposed to TB germs is not able to spread the germs to other people right away. Only persons with active TB disease can spread TB germs to others,” says the CDC.

For more information if you or your child has been exposed, visit the CDC website: Click here for more information.

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