More than 160 Clint elementary students possibly exposed to tuberculosis

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health is investigating a possible Tuberculosis (TB) exposure involving approximately 160 children in the Clint Independent School District.

Earlier this week, the Health Department sent letters to parents of 163 students informing them that their children may have had close contact with someone with an active case of TB. Eight school staff members also were possibly exposed.

The possible TB exposure occurred at Frank Macias Elementary School in Clint ISD. Summer school is in session.

Health Department officials would not say if it was a student or staff member who had the active case of TB but did say the person showed TB symptoms for months.

“The District has been fully cooperating with the health department following their guidelines and protocols.The District will continue to provide the health department with any necessary information to ensure the well being of our students and staff,” Clint ISD spokeswoman Laura Cade said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

As a precaution, the Health Department is recommending that these children be screened for TB through a blood draw that will be tested at the Department of Public Health laboratory in El Paso.

“We continue to work closely with officials from the Clint Independent School District as well as the Department of State Health Services to determine which children are considered as having been possibly exposed,” said Bruce Parsons, Interim Health Director. “We ask that parents who receive the letter participate in the screening so that we can determine whether or not their child was exposed and follow up with appropriate treatment.”

Parents who receive a letter, who have additional questions may call the City of El Paso Department of Public Health at 915-212-6609.