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Health officials confirm case of tuberculosis in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha health officials have confirmed that a Benson High School student has tuberculosis, exposing nearly 200 students and a dozen school staff members to the contagious lung disease.

Douglas County officials said Wednesday that 193 students and 12 staffers were exposed, and many will have to be tested.

Tuberculosis is relatively rare in the United States. State health records say only 137 cases were recorded in Nebraska from 2011 through 2015.

Tuberculosis is slow to develop, and it can take up to 10 weeks before a person who has been exposed tests positive for the infection. Common symptoms include unexplained rapid weight loss, profuse coughing, night sweats and fever. It is treated with a course of antimicrobial drugs.

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