Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:             June 4, 2007           End Date: June 11, 2007

Contact Person:          Kathleen DeSnyder, MPH
                                    Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Genesee County Health Department

Phone:                         (810) 424-4393

RE:                              Two Test Positive for Tuberculosis Infection
                                    at Flint Central High School
            Two children tested since March 2007 as part of the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) follow-up to its discovery of an active case of tuberculosis at Flint Central High School have tested positive for the disease.  The Health Department strongly encourages the remaining 80 not fully evaluated to visit one of the 3 Health Department clinic sites for a skin test. See Page 2 for clinic hours. 

GCHD will also be making home visits to encourage those not fully evaluated to complete their testing. Testing is free of charge for identified close contacts.

Skin testing for many of the close contacts was performed by GCHD at Flint Central High School in April and May following identification and notification of contacts who may have been exposed.  Skin testing for tuberculosis is done as soon as possible after a potential exposure. Those whose initial skin test is negative are asked to return for a second skin test 8-10 weeks later because it may take that long to detect a recent infection.

One hundred sixty-three people were identified as being close contacts.  Eighty-three of those have completed testing for infection. A positive skin test does not mean the person is sick with tuberculosis or can spread it to others. It does mean the person will need further evaluation including a chest x-ray.

·         McCree North Health Center –
115 East Pierson Road Flint, MI  48505                       
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
(8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Closed Tuesdays

·         Burton Health Center –
G-3373 S. Saginaw Street Burton, MI  48529                                 
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
(8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Tuesday
(1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

·         McCree Courts & Human Services Center* –
630 S. Saginaw Flint, MI  48502
*appointments only, please call 810-257-1017 to schedule                                                   

For more information about tuberculosis please visit the GCHD website at www.gchd.us