Possible tuberculosis case found at John Burroughs High School
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will host an informational meeting at John Burroughs High School on Friday to educate parents and students about tuberculosis.
On Wednesday, the Burbank Unified School District sent a letter to John Burroughs parents informing them that county officials have identified an individual at the high school who has been diagnosed with a possible case of tuberculosis.
It is unknown if the person who may have contracted the serious but curable disease is a student or faculty member at Burroughs High, located at 1920 Clark Ave. However, Burbank Unified spokeswoman Kimberley Clark said no other tuberculosis cases have been found at other schools in the district.
The meeting on Friday with county health officials will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, where they will be answering any questions parents may have regarding the disease.
Additionally, health officials, with the help of John Burroughs staff, will be checking to see if there are any other students or faculty members who may have contracted the airborne illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacteria that primarily attacks a person’s lungs. Those who are infected with tuberculosis do not always show signs of the illness, but the disease can be fatal if not treated properly.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include chest pain, a cough lasting longer than three weeks, coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue and fever, according to the federal health agency.
Anyone with questions can contact Lenora Aguilera, the school nurse at John Burroughs, at (818) 729-6900, Ext. 61999.
anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com
Twitter: @acocarpio
