A person at Commack High School has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, the district announced on its website Tuesday morning. The person, who can’t be identified under state law, is being treated and there is no risk of transmission, the district said.
A letter was mailed to all high school students and each staff member, and should hit mailboxes Tuesday or Wednesday. A separate letter was sent to all students and staff who have been in close contact with the person. The district did not release any information about the person or say whether it was a student or staff member who was diagnosed with the bacterial infection.
The Suffolk County Department of Health notified the district about the TB case. A statement from the department of health is scheduled to be released Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson said.
“Please know that we take the health and safety of our students and staff members very seriously,” the district said. “Therefore, we are working very closely with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the New York State Department of Health on this matter and are confident in their guidance and support.”
TB is spread through the air from one person to another. It hits the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
The district’s website also said two general information sessions for parents will be held on Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.