Oologah tuberculosis case raises concerns

Worried parents in one Green Country community go in search of answers because of a TB scare. <br><br>Parents gathered Monday night at the Oologah High School after they were notified that one of the

Tuesday, November 20th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Worried parents in one Green Country community go in search of answers because of a TB scare.

Parents gathered Monday night at the Oologah High School after they were notified that one of the students has contracted tuberculosis. Six other students have tested positive for TB but with proper medicine can keep it from going active.

A doctor from the Rogers County Health Department says those who test positive can't spread it and it's likely they'll never develop the disease. However anyone who came in contact with the student who has TB could also be infected so as a precaution, anyone at the school can be tested. Dr Bill Smith with the Rogers County Health Department: "We will be helping the school decide who needs to be tested, but, if anyone wants it, they can have it, it's basically open to everybody."

We spoke to one Tulsa doctor who says itâ€™s probably a good idea for anyone concerned to be tested. You can go to the health department any Monday or Wednesday or speak with your child's personal doctor for more information.

Once again, a positive skin test for TB does not mean the disease is active and with proper medicine, it's not likely the disease will develop. While we have seen an increase in TB cases lately, it's not like the scares of the 50's, because of advances in medication.