Community member affiliated with Hazen High School has active tuberculosis

Screenings will be available next week for anyone who has TB symptoms

On Thursday afternoon, the Public Health department was reportedly following up on reports that a Hazen High School community member was diagnosed with active tuberculosis.

A post of the Public Health Insider said officials are working with the school and the Renton School District to determine any potential TB exposures.

Screenings for those exposed as well as guidance will be provided.

The Public Health Insider post said TB is not an easy disease to spread.

“It is much harder to spread than the cold or flu,” the post read.

As a precaution, the health department is recommending that 240 people be screened for TB.

On Wednesday, Jan. 18 a screening will be offered at Hazen for anyone with TB symptoms.

A blood test will also be done on those who may be infected but do not display any symptoms.

The Insider post said the person from Hazen who has active TB is currently receiving treatment.

They are not a risk for infecting others, the post added.