The Public Health Institute at Denver Health Conducts Tuberculosis Investigation at George Washington High School

The Tuberculosis Clinic at The Public Health Institute at Denver Health (PHIDH) has started an investigation into a tuberculosis (TB) exposure at George Washington High School in Denver. PHIDH is working closely with Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Public Schools to educate faculty and students about TB. Those who may have been exposed have already been contacted and will be tested.

All students, staff, and parents have been informed of the matter. Currently, there is no ongoing risk for TB exposure at the school. It is safe for students and staff to attend school and participate in activities as usual.

TB is a disease caused by germs that are spread between people through the air, and typically takes several hours of exposure for a person to be at risk of becoming infected. It usually impacts the lungs but may also affect other parts of the body.

• Most people who are exposed to TB do not get infected.
• People who are infected cannot give TB to others unless they are sick.
• Typical symptoms of TB are a chronic cough, fever, or night sweats that are persistent for several weeks and usually get worse.
• A person who is infected with TB, but is not sick, can be treated to eliminate the infection to prevent them from getting sick in the future.

Additional facts about TB are available on the Denver Tuberculosis Clinic’s website. The CO-HELP line also offers the opportunity to speak to a live person who can answer questions and address concerns 24/7 at 303-389-1687. People experiencing chronic symptoms who think they may have been exposed to TB should call their primary care provider or the Tuberculosis Clinic at PHIDH to schedule a consultation and test. Students experiencing symptoms can also visit Denver Health’s school-based health center embedded in George Washington High School.