Officials with Coldwater Community Schools and the Branch-Hillsdale-Saint Joseph Community Health Agency have announced that an individual at Coldwater High School has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB).
The health agency was notified last week and has launched an investigation.
School officials say they’re working closely with the health department to identify individuals who may have been exposed. Those with a potential exposure will receive notifications and guidance on testing and evaluation, which will be provided free of charge.
TB is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also impact other organs. It spreads through prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces, but it is less contagious than illnesses like the flu or cold. TB cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as handshakes or sharing utensils.
Those with questions or concerns can contact the Health Department public health nurse team at epihelp@bhsj.org or 517-279-9561, ext. 123.