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Possible case of TB in Akron school community

Posted at 9:12 AM, Feb 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-11 09:29:21-05

Summit County Public Health is investigating a possible case of tuberculosis at an Akron school.

According to the health department, a member of the North High School community may be infected.

Authorities did not say whether the patient was a teacher, student or staff member.

The health department reports that TB "is spread through the air by close prolonged contact when a person coughs, speaks, laughs, or sings."

It cannot, however, be spread by casual contact like passing someone in a hallway.

Authorities say there is minimal risk to Summit County residents that the disease has spread. 

Most cases of TB are curable with the right medical treatment. 

Summit County Public Health will notify any individuals who may have been exposed to the disease.

The health department will be staffing an information line starting Feb. 11 at 8 a.m. The phone number for the information line is 330-926-5795.