Tuberculosis Identified In Delaware County Middle School

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Tuberculosis has been identified in a member of the Delaware County public school community, health officials said.

The Delaware County Health Department said someone who attends the Penn Wood Middle School in the William Penn School District has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Health officials are working with school representatives to identify students and staff who might have been exposed to the illness.

It is important for parents who are concerned they or their children may have been in close contact to know that not all exposures become sick.

Although tuberculosis is spread similarly to a cold or flu, it is not as contagious.

You would have to spend prolonged periods — around at least 15 hours of contact per week — in close contact with an infected person to catch the infection yourself.

The important first step is to identify close contacts of the person who was infected.

Those identified as close contacts are being notified by the Health Department for testing arrangements.

Health officials stressed that students and staff can continue active learning in the school setting.

People with questions or concerns that they may need tested should call the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line, available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by phone at 484-276-2100 or by email at [email protected].