High School Student Treated For Active Tuberculosis In Hemet

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HEMET (CBSLA.com) — A Hemet high school student is receiving treatment for active tuberculosis, health officials said Tuesday.

The unidentified teen is a student at Tahquitz High School, where letters have been sent to the families of 300 students notifying them of the diagnosis, according to the Riverside County Department of Public Health.

"The student is receiving treatment and is expected to recover," according to a health department statement, emphasizing that the teen "will not return to school until a medical clearance is issued."

Tuberculosis is spread through coughing, sneezing, singing and speaking, according to federal health officials. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says people cannot be infected through hand-shaking, kissing or handling bedding and toilet seats.

Officials are recommending TB screenings for any students and staff who may have come into contact with the student.

TB screening typically involves a quick skin test, and if that comes back positive,
the person is asked to take a chest X-ray to confirm infection.