Suspected Tuberculosis Case Reported in Pinellas

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County confirmed Friday it is investigating a suspect case of tuberculosis.

The case involves a 17-year-old student at a Pinellas County School, the agency noted in an email to media. Officials have not said what school the student attends. They are, however, testing those in close contact with the teen since the disease is transmitted through the air “when people who have an active TB infection cough, sneeze or transmit respiratory fluids,” the email said.

Tuberculosis, or TB for short, is known for spreading slowly, so health officials plan additional tests in eight to 10 weeks.

TB is a bacterial disease that impacts the lungs, but it can also affect other organs. “With proper care, most cases can be treated with a course of antibiotics,” the health department’s email said. “Left untreated, TB can persist for years and be fatal.”

A cough that lasts for three or more weeks that may or may not produce discolored, bloody sputum

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Slight fever
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Pain with breathing or coughing

To learn more about tuberculosis, visit the Pinellas County health department online at www.PinellasHealth.com.

Image via Shutterstock

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