Investigation Underway at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas after Tuberculosis Case Reported

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Southern Nevada Health District is currently conducting an investigation into a case of Tuberculosis (TB) at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas. The presence of the bacterial disease was confirmed at the school, although it remains unclear whether it was a student or a staff member who contracted the illness.

It is important to note that TB is not transmitted through physical contact or handling objects. Instead, it spreads through the air, specifically through breathing in the same air as an infected individual over a prolonged period of time.

In order to ensure the safety of all individuals who may have been in close contact with the infected person, the health district has planned to notify them on or around November 29. According to the law, those identified as close contacts are required to undergo a tuberculin test.

A comprehensive letter has been sent to parents of Palo Verde High School students, providing them with detailed information about the situation. The letter informs the recipients that an individual at the school has been diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis, emphasizing that the disease can only be transmitted through prolonged close contact and not through physical contact or object handling. The Centers for Disease Control and the Southern Nevada Health District provide resources for identifying TB signs and symptoms.

To address any potential health concerns among students and staff, the Southern Nevada Health District is collaborating with the Clark County School District to develop a testing plan for close contacts. The identified individuals will be directly notified by the health district upon the completion of their investigation, which is expected to be around Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

In compliance with NRS 44IA.365, close contacts are legally required to undergo a tuberculin test. To facilitate this process, the health district will coordinate the testing of students and staff who fall under this category. The testing will be conducted on January 3 and 4, 2024, and will be provided free of charge to the individuals at Palo Verde High School.

This letter serves as a means to promptly inform the community about this health-related situation. It is crucial for individuals who are feeling unwell to seek medical attention from their local healthcare practitioner or contact the Southern Nevada Health District for further guidance. For any questions or concerns, the health district can be reached at (702) 759-1015.

Please note that this story is still developing, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available..