FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Pam Barrett
(334) 467-8208
[email protected]
On February 13, Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) officials notified Walter Wellborn Elementary and High Schools of plans to investigate a case of pulmonary tuberculosis identified in a Wellborn student. ADPH and Wellborn schools are working closely to ensure that students and employees will be screened quickly.
The state and local health departments are communicating regularly with Wellborn school officials to keep its faculty, administration and students updated on this ongoing process.
Dr. Burnestine Taylor, Medical Officer for Disease Control and Prevention, stated, “We are working very closely with the school system to develop and implement a screening plan. As with any identified case of tuberculosis in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures.”
An on-site investigation of the school and schedule of the ill student was conducted on February 13. It was determined it is best that all students and faculty in both schools be screened to rule out active TB and identify anyone infected but not currently ill.
A meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, in the gymnasium at Walter Wellborn High School to answer any questions from the public. Testing is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, at the schools.
Tuberculosis is a treatable and preventable disease. Persons who were in close contact with the suspect case will be rapidly assessed and appropriate preventive measures taken, according to ADPH officials.
For additional information, contact Pam Barrett, director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Division, at (334) 467-8208.