WAYNE COUNTY, MO (KFVS) – a health scare in Wayne County, Missouri has parents a little concerned.  it comes after a confirmed case of tuberculosis.

“I've been here several years, and it's the first active case that we have had in the last 19 years,” said RaeJean Crutchfield-Administrator, Wayne County Health Center. 

Crutchfield says the last few days have been busy at the Wayne County Health Center.  They've tested about 20 people for tuberculosis.  “We have one confirmed case in the county, not in the school system”, said Crutchfield.  “We are doing an investigation for the confirmed case and at this time that's the only case we have had.”

Crutchfield says a man in his 20's from the Williamsville area has TB.  The man has a child who's a student at Williamsville Elementary.

When parents like Lee Hillis found out, they reacted. Hillis has three children who go to the school.  “I kept the kids out the first day, but they came back today”, said Hillis.

The district sent home a letter from the health department which calmed some concerns.  “I feel safer now sending them to school”, said Hillis.

Registered nurse Crystal Epley is testing those who've had close contact with the man who's now being treated for TB, ”It's been busy.”  She says TB is spread through sneezing, coughing, laughing, speaking, etc.

Symptoms include coughing, fatigue, fever, weight loss, coughing up blood, and chest pains.  Some people may actually test positive for TB, but that doesn't mean it's an active case.

“If you have a positive case that doesn't mean you have the disease it means you come in contact at some point in your life, and it's laying dormant in your system”, said Epley. 

So, a positive test result would lead to more tests.  “Unless you are in close contact with the person you do not need to be tested. If you need to be tested you will be notified,” said Crutchfield.

Nurses at the Health Center say the risk of spreading the disease is low.  The health center continues to investigate to see if anyone at Williamsville Elementary needs testing.  Right now they say there's no reason for parents to keep their kids home from school.

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