Students, Staff At Roosevelt High School Exposed To Active Tuberculosis

CORONA (CBSLA.com) — Riverside County health officials worked Wednesday to contact students and staff at Eleanor Roosevelt High School who might have been exposed to a student suspected of having active tuberculosis.

Letters are being sent out to parents of students who were identified as at-risk of being exposed to the illness, Riverside County Public Health officials said. Staff members who may have been exposed will be notified by the district.

The student with tuberculosis is receiving treatment, though a firm diagnosis hasn't been made. The student, who was not identified, will not return to school until a medical clearance is issued.

The health department is recommending that anyone who receives the notice be screened with a TB skin test at a clinic being planned at the school later this month or be seen by their own medical provider.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tuberculosis is spread through coughing, sneezing, singing or speaking. People cannot be infected through hand-shaking, kissing or handling bedding and toilet seats.

The risk of transmission is very low, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser said.

"While the risk of infection is slight, it is important that those who are notified take the time to get tested," Kaiser said in a statement.