A student at Shadow Hills High School in Indio has tested positive for active tuberculosis, health officials said Monday.
The student is receiving treatment and is expected to recover, according to Riverside County health officials, who are working with school staff to identify anyone else who may have been exposed to the illness.
According to Riverside University Health System representatives, a medical clearance will have to be issued before the unnamed student can return to school.
County health officials are sending letters to parents of students who may have been exposed, and staff members who may have come in contact with the illness will receive notification from the school, officials said.
Health officials recommended anyone who receives a notice get screened with a tuberculosis skin test being planned at Shadow Hills High. Parents can also have their children tested at Riverside University Health System community health centers in Indio and Palm Springs at no cost, or at their own health care provider.
“While the risk of infection is low, it’s important that parents who receive the notification letter get their child tested,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, public health officer for Riverside County. “The testing is quick and can provide peace of mind for both parents and children.”
If the skin test reads positive, the patient will need to get a chest X-ray and follow up with an appropriate provider to determine if active TB is present or if the patient was simply exposed to it, health officials said.
The disease is spread through the air during prolonged, repeated and close contact with an individual who is infected with active TB.