Little Rock—The Arkansas Department of Health will hold a public meeting at Forrest City Junior High School on Wednesday, May 3, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. in the school auditorium to discuss the recently discovered cases of tuberculosis.  The Health Department has identified six cases of tuberculosis and 18 positive skin tests in students and faculty at the school.  Skin testing for exposure to tuberculosis is nearing completion.

Having a positive TB skin test does not mean that the person has tuberculosis disease.  It means that he or she has inhaled the TB germ, and it is present in the body.  Only about ten per cent of people with positive skin tests but no evidence of disease, eventually develop TB.  They can be treated with medication to prevent their developing the disease.  The student who is the source of the infection is receiving treatment, as are the other five cases.  Preventive treatment is being offered to those who tested positive.

The Arkansas Department of Health, with full cooperation from Forrest City Junior High School, will continue to monitor the faculty and student body members at the school.  Dr. Frank Wilson, assistant director of the Division of Tuberculosis, states, "The danger of contracting the disease from the infected student has passed.  The Health Department stresses that it is entirely safe for parents to send their children to school."

The Health Department will advise with further information as it becomes available.

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