BAYTOWN, Texas – A letter was mailed to parents earlier this week informing them that a staff member at Sterling High School was diagnosed with tuberculosis.
TB is bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs and it is contagious.
Although, it can be treated with medication.
The school district is now working with health officials from Harris County and Environmental Services to look into the specific case, but not saying what the employee does at the school — a teacher or other type of worker.
Still, school officials with Goose Creek Consolidated did state in the letter to parents that it's very unlikely that your child has been exposed to TB by this individual, and therefore no further action is necessary at this time.
Regardless, many parents here say this kind of news certainly worries them.
Norma Ponce, who has a 10th-grader at school explained, "I find it shocking especially being treated here in the U.S., going to the doctor is so easy, working around kids and stuff it's very surprising."
Nena Wilson, a parent said, "Anything that's putting people's health at risk, you need to take heed at it."
Common symptoms of TB include: a cough lasting more than two weeks, weight loss, poor appetite and fever.
County health officials plan to be here at the high school’s auditorium Tuesday night to answer any questions from the community.