Health
MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – Mendocino County Public Health has identified an individual associated with Ukiah High School with active tuberculosis.
Public Health is partnering with Ukiah High School officials to identify and evaluate students and staff who may have been exposed to TB.
It is important to know that being exposed to TB does not mean that you will become infected with TB or that you will spread TB to others. Only people ill with active TB can spread TB to others.
The most common way to become infected with TB is by spending a lot of time with a person with active TB in small enclosed spaces.
While the risk of transmission is low, the medical guidance is that those who have been exposed and become infected with the TB bacteria should be treated so they do not develop TB disease.
“Our first priority is to protect the health of students and staff at Ukiah High School,” said Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Constance Caldwell. “We understand that this news can be concerning to parents and the community. The individual with TB is receiving treatment and there is no ongoing risk of TB infection at Ukiah High from this person. Students and staff should participate in their upcoming summer activities as usual.”
A letter was sent to all parents and staff today to let them know about this case of tuberculosis associated with Ukiah High School. A second letter will be mailed within the week to parents and staff who are identified as close contacts to this person. Testing for possible TB will be offered to these individuals, as well as treatment if needed.
“Contact investigations such as this are an important part of the work of Public Health to control the spread of TB. Public Health will offer testing to all close contacts to this individual. Any students and staff who test positive for TB infection will receive further testing and medication to prevent development of active tuberculosis,” says Dr. Charles Evans, Mendocino County TB controller.
In order to protect their privacy, no specific information about this patient or other individuals who are tested or receive treatment will be released to the media or the public.
Additional information about TB can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm .
There will be an informational meeting for parents, students and staff on Monday, June 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Ukiah High School.
Mendocino County Public Health has also opened a phone line for anyone with questions about TB exposure and that number is 707-472-2716.
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A 6-year-old boy with Prader-Willi syndrome is preparing to go to class but is becoming wildly upset because there’s a slight change in his schedule.
Police are helping search for a 27-year-old year old man with PWS who slipped away from his group home in the middle of the night in search of food.
Prader-Willi syndrome, or PWS, causes an insatiable drive to eat that is not satisfied no matter how much food is eaten.
PWS is the most common genetic cause of obesity, affecting about 2,500 people in California.
In infancy PWS causes weak muscles, impairs growth and interferes with overall development.
After age 2, severe behavioral symptoms similar to those seen in people with autism begin, along with PWS’ hallmark symptom, a life-threatening insatiable appetite.
Unmanaged, PWS causes morbid obesity and premature death.
PWS is not an eating disorder; it results from missing genes. No known medication controls or even reduces the drive to eat.
People with PWS cannot live independently because without 24/7 supervision for the entirety of their lives they will die prematurely as a result of choking, stomach rupture, or from complications caused by morbid obesity or their often impulsive behavior.
While parents of someone with PWS experience some of the highest levels of stress, today there is hope. With an accurate diagnosis and appropriate supervised care, people with PWS can live healthier and happier lives.
To raise awareness of PWS, the Prader-Willi California Foundation will hold its 17th Walking for Prader-Willi Syndrome event on June 17 in San Francisco at Crissy Field West Bluff Picnic Area.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., the walk starts at 11 a.m. and the fun lasts until 2 p.m.
The public is invited to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the music, face painting and fun.
Those who want to participate can walk in person or support the effort online.
The Prader-Willi California Foundation is the only organization in California dedicated solely to providing education, support and advocacy services to Californians with PWS, their families, and professionals.
For more information visit www.PWCF.org or call the PWCF office at 310-372-5053.
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