19 at CdA High test positive for TB

Of the 1,580 people from Coeur d’Alene High School tested for tuberculosis, 19 had positive reactions, Panhandle Health District spokeswoman Susan Cuff said Thursday.

Cuff also said there is no cause for alarm because a positive reaction is possible if a person had been vaccinated against TB, which is common in other countries. The tests could have had false positives, been read wrong, or caused unusual reactions in some people.

“A positive reaction to the test does not necessarily mean the person has or will develop TB at any point,” Cuff said.

The health district tested the staff and students in late October after a Coeur d’Alene High student was hospitalized with the disease. That student remains in the hospital and is continuing to receive treatment, Cuff said, but she would not comment further on the student’s condition.

Everyone will be tested again Jan. 9-10, and those who tested positive the first time have been referred to medical professionals for further testing.

“None of them have been diagnosed with TB,” Cuff said.

She added that the second round of testing will be more reliable because three months have passed and those who may have been exposed would have a greater reaction to the test.

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that attack the lungs. It can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs or sings. Cuff said TB “is very slow-growing and treatable.” Even if someone was exposed in September or October and tested positive, it’s still treatable.

“Time is on our side,” she said.

According to health officials, TB is rare in Idaho, with only about 12 cases a year.