LAKEVILLE, Minn. — A case of active tuberculosis was confirmed at a high school south of the Twin Cities, but officials said there is “no further risk of exposure at the school.”
Dakota County Public Health notified school community members on Monday.
“We can confirm that an individual at Lakeville South High School has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis,” Lakeville Area Schools said in a statement. “Lakeville Area Schools worked closely with Dakota County Public Health and the Minnesota Department of Health to support thorough contact tracing.”
The district said “a small group of individuals” determined to be close contacts of the case have been notified and will be screened for tuberculosis.
“We found that the vast majority of students, faculty and staff were not at high risk for exposure to active tuberculosis [Lakeville South High School]” according to Dakota County Public Health.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, tuberculosis is a “serious disease that can be cured with proper treatment and medications.” It mainly affects your lungs and spreads through the air. Active tuberculosis manifests itself through persistent cough, weight loss, chest pain, fever and other symptoms.
Anyone with questions about the disease can call Dakota County Public Health at 952-891-7500 and ask to speak with a public health nurse.
Last year, 160 new cases of active tuberculosis were reported in Minnesota, mostly in the Twin Cities.
