Follow
Renton authorities are on high alert after a high school member tested positive for tuberculosis.
Renton health authorities are on high alert after a Hazen High School member was diagnosed with tuberculosis. As a precautionary method, the medical authorities suspended all school activity and had started to screen all High School members who came into contact with the individual.
Recently, a Renton High School member tested positive for tuberculosis. As a result, Renton’s health authorities are working around the clock with the Renton School District in an attempt to screen approximately 240 people who supposedly came into contact with the carrier.
King County Public Health’s official spokespersons declared that the situation is under control, and the risk of exposure is minimal. In addition, the institution declared that only one member of the Hazen High School tested positive for TB.
Tuberculosis, also known as consumption, is a high infection disease, caused by an airborne bacterium. Although tuberculosis killed many during the 19th century and the 20th century, the disease is easily treated nowadays.
The patient or patients infected with tuberculosis will require a six to nine-month treatment involving two antibiotics: isoniazid and rifampicin. However, some TB strains can become resistant to antibiotics, which requires a more aggressive medication regime.
Although tuberculosis can be transmitted from patient to patient through the air, the actual risk of contracting the disease is marginal. The King County Public Health officials said that for someone to be infected, prolonged exposure is required. Even then the risk is still minimal.
Researchers have discovered that even if a family member has TB, there’s one-in-three risk that another family member might come down with this condition.
The classic symptoms associated with TB are coughing, which can last for three weeks or even longer, depending on the severity of the case, a sharp pain the chest, and coughing up blood. There are symptoms associated with tuberculosis such as fatigue, weakness, high fever, chills, sweating during the night, lack of appetite, and weight loss.
Furthermore, the medical researchers have identified potential factors that could increase a patient’s susceptibility to coming down with TB. As a result, patients with an on-going HIV infection, children, smokers, and patient with other health issues are more likely to contract the disease.
Tuberculosis can be self-managed and prevented very easy. For example, if you have someone with tuberculosis in your home you should regularly ventilate the room, cover your mouth, and wear a surgical mask. Vaccination is also an efficient way of prevention TB.
Image source: Flickr
