A case of tuberculosis has been confirmed at Carolina Forest High School, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
A letter about the case was posted to the school’s website on Thursday from CFHS Principal Gaye Driggers and SCDHEC State TB Program Medical Consultant Dr. Rick Ervin.
Officials says a laboratory test confirmed the case, but did not say when that test happened. Both Ervin and Driggers assured parents that a case at the school does not mean their children have been exposed to the tuberculosis germ.
DHEC says it is now investigating the incident, alongside school leadership. The investigation includes “evaluating the school layout and routine activities of the case to determine the level of risk for classrooms, lunchrooms and other areas where students and staff congregate.”
“Based on information gained during this site visit, individuals have been identified as having an exposure to the TB germ and have received information about TB testing by DHEC,” the notification said. “As the contact investigation progresses over the next few weeks, others may be recommended for testing. Only those recommended for testing will be tested by DHEC at each stage of the contact investigation.”
Parents, students or community members with concerns are asked to contact DHEC’s Careline at 1-855-472-3432.