From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
ANNISTON – The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating a Walter Wellborn student in Anniston who has contracted pulmonary tuberculosis, a disease that is infectious but treatable.
It was on Feb. 13 that an on-site investigation was conducted, according to ADPH. All students and staff at Walter Wellborn Elementary and High Schools were screened to rule out anyone who was infected but not currently ill.
“We are working very closely with the school system to develop and implement a screening plan,” said Dr. Burnestine Taylor, Medical Officer for Disease Control and Prevention. “As with any identified case of tuberculosis in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures.”
People who were in contact with the student who contracted the illness will be assessed, ADPH said.
According to the CDC, some symptoms of tuberculosis are: weakness/fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever and sweating at night. ADPH said that the disease is preventable and treatable.