Coppell, Mesquite students possibly exposed to tuberculosis

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Two North Texas school districts are concerned about tuberculosis.

Dallas County Health and Human Services is monitoring two cases – one suspected and one diagnosed.

The first case is in Coppell. The school district there said an eighth-grader at Coppell Middle School North was diagnosed with an active case of tuberculosis and is receiving treatment.

Coppell ISD has been working with health officials to determine which students and staff members may have been in contact with the student.

Those who were exposed have already been notified and given information about free TB testing. Those who did not have contact with the student and who are not at risk were not notified.

In Mesquite, Dallas County health officials said a student at North Mesquite High School has a suspected case of tuberculosis.

Mesquite ISD said 175 students who may have come into contact with the sick student have been identified and are at an increased risk of exposure to TB. Those students will receive a letter about testing, which will take place on Monday.  

Generally, TB is only transmitted between people who are in close, direct and continuous contact over hours.

Although serious, health officials believe the risk of exposure is low for most people.