New Information: TB Investigation at Fannin

Posted Date: 06/02/2020

AMARILLO BI-CITY-COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT
Amarillo, Canyon, Potter County, Randall County
CITY OF AMARILLO, P.O. BOX 1971, Amarillo, TX  79105-1971

New Information Regarding Fannin TB Investigation

May 22, 2014 - Following a case of active tuberculosis at Fannin Middle School last month, the City of Amarillo Department of Public Health is expanding testing to all students, faculty and staff not tested previously during this investigation. Follow up testing has revealed a higher than expected number of positive TB skin tests. For that reason, the Department of Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services have decided that the best course of action is to expand testing to the entire Fannin campus for the purpose of identifying any potential TB exposure.

A positive TB skin test only indicates a person has been exposed to TB bacteria. It does not tell whether the person has latent TB infection (LTBI) or has progressed to active TB disease. Other tests and medical evaluation are necessary. Parents should remember that both active and latent cases of TB are both treatable and curable with medicine. All testing and treatment is provided at no cost to the families.

Once test results are reviewed, anyone testing positive for TB will then be evaluated to determine if they have an active form of the disease. The health department is coordinating further testing and treatment at no cost.

A meeting for parents will be held at Fannin Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Public Health and school officials will be on hand to give an update and answer any concerns parents may have.  Parents and staff may also call the City of Amarillo Department of Public Health at 806-378-6300.