Tuberculosis case confirmed in Prince George's County school, officials say

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Prince George's County school officials have confirmed that at least one case of tuberculosis at Samuel Chase Elementary has been diagnosed.

The district said in a letter to the school community that the chance that a child or staff member contracted tuberculosis from the person is very small.

Nevertheless, health department officials recommend testing for all students and staff who were in any class or after-school activity with the person.

They say anyone who needs to be tested will be notified within two weeks.

Testing is recommended within eight to 10 weeks of exposure.

Nurses from the Prince George's County Health Department will be on hand at the school to provide testing.

Information regarding the individual who was diagnosed with tuberculosis will be kept confidential, as will the results of any test a child undergoes.

Parents or staff members who have questions can call the Prince George's County Health Department at (301) 583-3110 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

A parent meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.

The CDC has more information on tuberculosis on its website.