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A person from Emerald High School was isolated after a joint investigation by the Ministry of Health and State Environmental Protection and School District 50 of the Greenwood County revealed a positive test for tuberculosis.
School district officials made the announcement on Friday, two days after administrators became aware of the case.
"On Thursday, we met with DHEC and began an in-depth investigation into the situation. DHEC has identified a person with TB in school today, "said Superintendent Darrell Johnson in a press release issued shortly after 3:30 pm. Friday. "Emerald's students, staff, and parents have been informed that we are working closely with DHEC to ensure that everyone in school is healthy and safe."
Officials released the information after notifying the parents.
Tuberculosis, a bacterial disease found mainly in the lungs, is relatively rare, with about 153 confirmed cases a year in South Carolina, according to DHEC. There are 150,000 people infected with the bacteria but who do not develop the disease.
The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, speech or any other means of air transportation.
In 2017, tuberculosis was diagnosed in 9,105 people across the country, with no deaths. This corresponds to 84,304 cases in 1953, of which 19,707 died, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Johnson said district 50 officials work with state health regulators.
"We are very concerned about the health and well-being of this person, as well as every student and adult in our district," he said.
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