2 Confirmed Tuberculosis Cases At Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Prince George's County Health Department officials have confirmed that two students at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School have been diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). The affected individuals are being treated and there is no risk of additional exposure to any students or staff, officials said.

"Although the risk of exposure is small, we are working with our health professionals to offer TB screening out of an abundance of caution," Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.

School officials said it "normally takes at least eight hours of close contact in a small room" for TB transmission to occur. A healthy person cannot contract TB from casual exposure, like passing someone in a hallway or sitting with someone in a cafeteria for an hour.

"The Health Department and PGCPS prioritize the health and safety of all students, staff and parents," Health Officer Pamela Creekmur said in a statement. "We are working expeditiously to provide information, screening and any additional follow up to maintain the health and wellness of the Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School community."

Testing for TB is conducted through either a blood test or skin test, and is a painless procedure. Some of symptoms of TB include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lethargy
• Night Sweats
• Coughing
• Chest Pain
• Loss of Appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

For more information, parents and guardians should call the Prince George's County Health Department TB Control Program at 301-583-3110.

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