Heritage High student tests positive for tuberculosis

Riverside County health officials are notifying Heritage High School students and their parents about a student who has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, authorities said Wednesday.

The student is receiving treatment and is expected to recover but will not return to school until medical clearance has been issued, according to a news release issued by the Riverside University Health System and Perris Union High School District. The student is not being identified because of confidentiality requirements.

Health officials are sending out about 500 letters to students and parents who may have been exposed to the illness. As a precaution, it is recommended that anyone who receives the notice be screened with a TB skin test at a clinic that will be held at the school in January.

Those who prefer to be tested during the holiday break can choose to be tested free of cost at a county-operated clinic in Perris or Hemet, according to the news release. They can also be tested by their own health care provider at their own expense.

"While the risk of infection is slight, it is important that those who are notified take the time to get tested," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer. "The testing is simple and provides peace of mind."

Those who do not receive notification are considered not at risk and TB testing is not recommended.

"We are taking this situation very seriously and working closely with the Riverside County Health Department on behalf of our students and staff," said Grant Bennett, superintendent of the Perris Union High School District.

TB is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drink, or via bed linens or toilet seats. A person with inactive TB cannot spread it to others, the news release said.