Some students at Indio H.S. will be tested again for TB

About 120 Indio High School students will be tested for tuberculosis exposure for the second time as part of a routine followup to the original screening in December, according to Riverside County health officials.

The second test takes place at the campus on Tuesday. Some staff members are being tested as well.

None of the student being tested showed any signs of tuberculosis when they were originally screened for exposure. Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser said the latest test is to insure the students remain free of illness.

“It can take from two to ten weeks after exposure before a skin test might show a positive result,” Dr. Kaiser said.

The original screening came after a student tested positive for active tuberculosis late last year.

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that usually attack the lungs, but it can attack any part of the body, such as the kidneys, spine and brain.

Health officials said it isn’t spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drinks, touching bed linens or toilet seats, by sharing toothbrushes or kissing.

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will post the results of Tuesday’s followup screening as soon as they’re available.