January 13, 2023
Attention Parents/Guardians:
An individual at Howe Elementary School was recently diagnosed with active Tuberculosis disease. Others may have been exposed to Tuberculosis during this school year.
Tuberculosis (TB) disease is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually infects the lungs but can infect any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. TB bacteria are released into the air when someone who is ill with Tuberculosis disease coughs, laughs, sings, speaks, or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected. These bacteria can sometimes remain in the air for a few hours, especially in small-confined places with no fresh air or sunlight. Individuals that did not have prolonged contact with the sick person, in a confined area, have a low likelihood of becoming infected with Tuberculosis. If your child has been identified as a possible Contact, you will be notified separately with the next steps.
Note that individuals cannot get Tuberculosis from shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, sharing toothbrushes or school supplies, kissing or touching bed linens or toilet seats.
Wayne County Health Department staff will be at the school to perform tuberculosis skin tests for those who are determined to be at risk of contact. A separate consent form is being sent to those parents. If your child is not in this group, but you want him/her tested, please contact your private physician or Wayne County TB clinic.
If you choose to use the Wayne County TB clinic, identify yourself as a Howe Elementary School student.
The Wayne County TB clinic is operated by Beaumont/ Corewell Hospital and a $22.00 fee is charged for TB skin testing at the time of service.
2001 South Merriman Road, Suite 300, Westland, MI 48186
(734) 727-1130
Monday, Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday Closed
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm
Please contact Wayne County Health Dept at (734)-727-7078 with any questions. For more information please go to CDC TB Information and General TB Information (michigan.gov).
Thank you for your cooperation.