Tuberculosis Scare at Preschool Prompts Testing

By City News Service

The parent of a preschooler in the Desert Sands Unified School District was diagnosed with active tuberculosis, and county health and schools officials said Wednesday they are notifying students and staff who might have been exposed.

The parent, whose name was not released, is receiving treatment and is expected to recover, according to district officials.

Riverside County health officials were sending letters to parents and parents of students identified as at-risk, and campus officials were similarly reaching out to staff.

“There are no indications tuberculosis has spread to students, staff or other parents, but health officials are encouraging TB testing for those who might have had limited exposure,” according to a DSUSD statement.

TB skin tests will be done at a clinic at an as-yet unspecified date later this month, or people can be seen by their own medical providers.

Students and staff seeking additional information are asked to contact their health care provider or the county Public Health Department Disease Control unit at (951) 358-5107.