TB test results lessen worries; one ‘abnormal’ result from Grand Forks school

One staff member from Phoenix Elementary School requires further testing for tuberculosis after 52 from the school were tested this week, said the Grand Forks Public Health Department on Thursday.

All student results reviewed by health officials came up negative.

The staff member who had an abnormal test, which does not necessarily indicate the person is infectious, is being referred to his or her healthcare provider for more tests, according to a news release.

Anyone with an abnormal test will be kept from the school until cleared by a healthcare professional.

Three people from Phoenix Elementary who were to be tested Thursday are being tested today, said John Bernstrom, a spokesman for Grand Forks Public Health.

Additional test results from students and staff will also be released today.

Two students at the school were recently confirmed with the potentially fatal disease, which can attack the lungs, brain and kidneys. Both students were tied to one family.

Only those who had prolonged exposure to the two students were asked to get a skin test.

Ten of the 18 cases statewide for tuberculosis have been discovered in Grand Forks County since the outbreak last month.

Tuberculosis can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, but requires very close contact in a small space for someone to contract it. The disease cannot be contracted by sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils or other surfaces.

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