Vista Murrieta High student treated for tuberculosis

About 250 letters were sent out to Vista Murrieta High School students and parents of students under 18 who may have been exposed to tuberculosis following an announcement that a student at the school has been treated for the disease, according to a news release.

The Murrieta Valley Unified School District, in conjunction with the Riverside University Health System, said in the news release that the student has been cleared to return to school. That student has not been identified due to confidentiality requirements.

Staff members who may have been exposed will receive notification from the school as well.

County health officials are recommending that anyone who receives such a notice should be screened with a TB skin test at a clinic being planned at the high school. They may also be tested by their own health care provider. A positive result would then result in a chest X-ray at an appropriate provider to help determine whether the individual simply has been exposed or has active TB.

According to the news release, tuberculosis is spread through the air during prolonged, repeated and close contact with someone who has been infected. It is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drink, or via bed linens or toilet seats.