Harris County health officials are working to identify close contacts. TB is treatable and curable with medication.
HOUSTON — Two siblings at Klein Cain High School have been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, prompting Harris County Public Health officials to conduct contact tracing. Klein ISD is also notifying potentially affected families and staff members.
After the district was alerted about the cases by Harris County Public Health, they sent targeted notifications to a small group of students and staff who may have had prolonged close contact with an infected student. Klein ISD also sent general notifications to all Klein Cain families and staff.
The affected students are currently receiving medical care and are not on campus. They will not be permitted to return until cleared by a physician or Harris County Public Health in accordance with state health regulations.
Health experts say tuberculosis is not transmitted through casual contact, such as walking past someone in a hallway. The disease typically requires prolonged, close contact in an enclosed setting to be transmitted. Harris County Public Health officials are conducting official contact tracing to identify anyone who may have had such exposure.
“TB is treatable and curable with medication,” the district emphasized in letters sent to families.
Klein Cain High School contacted specific students and staff members who shared classes with one of the infected students during the potentially contagious period. Families who were not contacted directly by the school have not been referred to Harris County Public Health as potential close contacts, though they may still be contacted if identified during the ongoing contact tracing process.
The district noted that, due to privacy laws, it cannot disclose any information that could potentially identify the students. School officials requested that the community respect the privacy of the students and their family.
Parents with questions about potential exposure can contact their child’s healthcare provider, visit the Harris County Public Health Tuberculosis Information site, or contact the county’s TB Program at (832) 927-7575 during business hours or via email at Epidemiology_Program@phs.hctx.net.
Families with questions about why they received notification letters can contact Klein Cain High School at (832) 375-8503.
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