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No new tuberculosis cases reported at Central High School

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – An Omaha Central High School student diagnosed earlier this month with tuberculosis continues to recover. Douglas County Health Department Director Dr. Adi Pour says the student hasn't returned to school.

Following the diagnosis, health department officials tested 150 people at Central High School. Of those, four students and one staff member tested positive. But Dr. Pour says they don't have the disease and aren't infectious. The Health Department plans a second round of testing in May to confirm that TB hasn't spread.

Dr. Pour says Douglas County usually reports ten cases of TB a year. So far this year, there are 11 cases.

Tuberculosis causes night sweats, weight loss, and severe illness. Coughing, a fever, and shortness of breath are also possible indicators of TB.