Possible case of tuberculosis at Sheyenne Ninth Grade Center

West Fargo Public Schools and Fargo Cass Public Health were made aware Wednesday of a student in the Sheyenne Ninth Grade Center who possibly has active tuberculosis (TB).

The student's initial symptoms and evaluation were suggestive of TB. The diagnosis will remain "presumptive" until further tests are completed for confirmation.

Fargo Cass Public Health is conducting an investigation to evaluate individuals who may have been exposed by being in direct contact with the person with presumptive TB. The West Fargo School District and Fargo Cass Public Health sent letters home today with approximately 75 students who may need to be evaluated, explaining their exposure risk and testing information. If your student attends Sheyenne and did not bring a letter home today, Fargo Cass Public Health does not believe they were exposed, and there is no need for any testing at this time.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood. Exposure to tuberculosis includes frequent or prolonged exposure, such as sitting in a small room or confined area for a long period of time, with someone with active Tuberculosis disease.

West Fargo Public Schools Administration has been, and will continue to, work closely with Fargo Cass Public Health and the North Dakota Department of Health, as well as other local involved entities. For general information on Tuberculosis, go to the Disease Control page at http://www.ndhealth.gov/disease/tb/.

Look to the Dec. 19 edition of the West Fargo Pioneer for further developments on this story.