BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. — The Mohave County Department of Public Health is actively responding after a person at Diamondback Elementary School tested positive for active tuberculosis, or TB.
The case was detected Aug. 1, and the department immediately launched an investigation. In collaboration with school officials, a TB skin test clinic has been set up for potentially exposed students, staff, and their families at Diamondback Elementary. The clinic is slated for Aug. 11, with a follow-up on Aug. 14.
While the department hasn’t specified whether the infected individual was a student, it has identified more than 400 people within the school community as potentially exposed.
TB is a severe but treatable disease that primarily affects the lungs. It can also target the kidney, spine, and brain. Transmitted through airborne particles, a person might test positive for TB without being infectious. Only cases of confirmed active TB can spread the disease.
The Center for Disease Control notes that while there’s a vaccine for TB, it’s not commonly administered in the U.S. due to the disease’s lower prevalence.
Those with concerns or affected by the exposure can contact the MCDPH helpline at 928-753-8665, available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Email support is also available.
For continuous updates on this and other community concerns, stay tuned to edjmohavecounty.com.
Jeremy Webb
Based in Mohave Valley, Arizona, Jeremy Webb is a dedicated website designer and developer with a keen eye for detail. Transitioning from a background in retail sporting goods management, he now crafts digital spaces that resonate with audiences. Beyond the screen, Jeremy is a passionate writer, delving into topics ranging from business innovations and Arizona’s unique landscapes to the latest tech trends and compelling local narratives. Visit his website at JeremyWebb.Dev
