New tuberculosis case reported in second suburban high school

JOLIET, Ill. (WGN) — A second case of tuberculosis (TB) has been reported at a suburban high school.

Joliet West High School officials reported Monday that a student has been diagnosed with the infectious disease. The school said the student is receiving treatment and will remain home until they are no longer contagious.

School officials add that they are working with the Sunny Hill Tuberculosis Clinic and have already notified students and staff members who may have been in close contact with the affected student.

Officials say that if a student is later identified as a person who may have had prolonged exposure, they will be notified to consult a healthcare provider for testing.

It’s the second tuberculosis-related incident reported at a suburban school in as many weeks.

Last week, Waukegan High School’s Brookside campus reported that an individual at the high school was diagnosed and receiving treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines tuberculosis as an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs and can be spread through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze, or spit.

Symptoms of TB include persistent coughing, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. It is not easily transmittable, as the most common way the illness is spread is through prolonged exposure to an individual with tuberculosis.