Health Notice: Tuberculosis Case at Hitchcock High School

UPDATE From The Galveston County Health District (Letter Attached):

We hope this message finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. Enclosed with this notification, you will find an important letter from the Galveston County Health District. The letter provides an update regarding current health concerns in our community and outlines recommended steps to ensure the continued well-being of our students and families.

Please take a moment to review the letter carefully. The health and safety of our students remain our highest priority, and we appreciate your support in maintaining a healthy learning environment for everyone in our district.

If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing the letter, you may reach out to the Galveston County Health District for further information.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued partnership in supporting the health and safety of our community.

ORIGINAL INFORMATION:

Hitchcock ISD is actively working with the Galveston County Health District to address a reported case of Tuberculosis (TB) involving an individual associated with Hitchcock High School. We understand the concerns this may cause and want to assure our community that we are taking every step necessary to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and families.

The Galveston County Health District has identified individuals who may have had significant exposure and sent direct notifications to those families with detailed instructions. This includes information on testing, which is being conducted at the school today for those identified as needing it based on state guidelines.

It’s important to note that tuberculosis is treatable and curable, and the overall risk of infection remains very low. Testing is recommended only for individuals with significant exposure (defined as at least six hours a week of close contact) or for those with specific health concerns, such as a weakened immune system.

For families or staff who feel testing may be warranted but were not contacted directly, additional information about testing opportunities will be provided by the Galveston County Health District.

To help you better understand TB, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive information, including the difference between TB infection and TB disease. Visit the CDC’s tuberculosis page here: CDC Tuberculosis Information.

If you have questions or need further clarification, please contact Nurse Peterson at kpeterson@hitchcockisd.org, the school office, or the Galveston County Health District at (409) 938-2354.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the well-being of our school community. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.