HUNTINGTON BEACH : Students Tested for TB Exposure
Twenty-three classmates of a former Golden West College student who had active tuberculosis were given in-class TB skin tests Monday to determine whether they have been exposed to the disease, a college spokeswoman said.
About 100 students are believed to have attended four classes since August with the ill student, who left school about five weeks ago. County health officials notified them and their instructors of their possible exposure, and in-class screenings were scheduled for Monday and today.
The skin tests will be read later in the week. Those with positive tests will receive chest X-rays and other follow-up examinations, and will be offered preventive medications if necessary.
Those students who do not attend the screenings this week will be contacted again by health officials to ensure they have the opportunity to be tested, said college spokeswoman Wendy Weber.
Tuberculosis is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, laughs or sings. People who have been in close contact with an infectious person for a long period of time are at greatest risk.
Many people who are exposed to tuberculosis do not go on to develop active disease.
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