Parents in Pitt County were notified this week that a middle school student tested positive for tuberculosis (TB).
“Though there is no immediate public health risk from this exposure, we are investigating the possible exposures and will inform staff and parents/guardians of students who need to be tested to ensure that any potential exposure to TB is identified,” said Pitt County Health Director Wes Gray.
Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that can be spread when an infected person speaks or coughs. Common symptoms are a cough, chest pain and fatigue. TB can be cured with a course of antibiotics, but recovery can take months.
Staff at Farmville Middle School will test students who are believed to have been exposed to TB, and anyone who tests positive will be able to get free treatment, Gray said.