Hayward high schooler tests positive for TB

A student at Tennyson High School in Hayward tested positive for tuberculosis, a school district official announced Monday.

In a letter addressed to parents by Hayward Unified School District Superintendent Stan “Data” Dobbs, the district was notified of the case on Friday. At the time of the diagnosis, the student was not on school grounds, Dobbs said.

Until the Alameda County Public Health Department deems it safe, the student will not be allowed to be at the high school, according to the letter. The school district is working with school nurses to make sure there is a low risk for students and staff to be exposed to the illness, Dobbs said.

Tuberculosis is a disease that can be airborne by an infected person who coughs or sneezes, county public health officials said. Symptoms of tuberculosis include a cough that continues for several weeks, chest pain, coughing blood, fatigue and weight loss, according to public health officials.

Anyone who is near or makes contact with someone who has tuberculosis won’t be infected unless they have multiple interactions with that person, public health officials said.