Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 student diagnosed with tuberculosis

A student at Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Arsenal 6-8 was diagnosed with tuberculosis, Allegheny County Health Department officials announced Tuesday.

The student reportedly is out of school receiving medication to treat the illness and is expected to return in the near future.

Officials said they are identifying individuals who may have been in close contact with the student to ensure they are evaluated, tested and treated.

Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that is spread only through the air from one person to another, according to the health department.

It cannot be spread through food or drink, through clothing or by skin contact such as shaking hands or hugging. It also cannot be spread via surfaces.

Officials said tuberculosis is preventable and curable and is typically treated for six to nine months with antibiotics. A person with tuberculosis will become noninfectious within a few days to weeks of effective treatment and will be able to return to normal activities without risk to others while completing treatment.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the health department at 412-687-2243.