A tuberculosis case has been confirmed at an Alabama school but there is no longer a risk of others being exposed to the disease.
News outlets report the Jefferson County health department notified Birmingham schools last week about the case at Green Acres Middle School. Students return to classrooms Tuesday after school officials had alerted parents Friday to the TB.
County Disease Control director Dr. Edward Khan says TB can be spread in small spaces but the majority of those who become infected do not get sick, as it lies dormant in their bodies for the rest of their lives.
The school will offer free TB tests for students and teachers Friday and results will be available Monday. Follow-up tests will be given in May for those who test negative.
(Associated Press, copyright 2018)
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