The Palm Beach Health Department has begun an investigation into a tuberculosis case at Santaluces High School in Central Palm Beach County after being contacted by the principal.
A school official says that the health department has identified someone on campus who contracted TB and was treated.
Parents have been notified by phone and were told that the health department will contact anyone who needs to be tested.
In a phone call to parents Santaluces Principal Tameka Robinson said the person was no longer on campus.
For parents picking up their kids today, it wasn't the best news.
"This could seriously get out of hand." says one parent who didn't want to give her name.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include: coughing, chest pain, fatigue, and fever. TB is spread through the air when a person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Tuberculosis can not be spread by shaking hands or by sharing food and drink.
Palm Beach County Health Department spokesman Tim O'Connor says that the agency is doing a contact investigation and will interview anyone who has had close contact with the patient.
He was unable to say if the patient was a student.
The health department says representatives will be at the school Thursday to educate the staff about TB.
Faculty members say parents should not worry.
"We're waiting for more information from our principal and our staff and we don't really have any real concerns because they've got it under their belt," says teacher Cindy Bhebe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has extensive information about TB.
Investigation into TB case at Santaluces High School. Health officials will be at school Thursday. @WPTV @Fox29WFLX pic.twitter.com/TRIZJNtQm0
— Alex Hagan (@AlexHagan_WPTV) April 13, 2016
