AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
Richmond County Health Department
returned to Butler High School on Tuesday for their second round of tuberculosis
testing. Dozens were tested in the first round, one testing positive for coming
in contact with TB.
FOX54 reached out to parents and
school officials for their reaction on the threat of this contagious disease.
Brittany Sharpe is a student at
Butler High School and describes her experience being tested for tuberculosis.
"It hurts and it's embarrassing
having people watch you," said Sharpe.
This comes after Richmond County
Health Department first conducted screenings in November with reason to believe
teachers and students may have been exposed.
"There's a chance that
everybody could catch it and that would be terrible for someone to have it in
the school and pass it along to other students," said Natasha Denson, a
legal guardian for a Butler student.
Since it can take up to three
months for the disease to show up in tests, the health department is once again
offering tests for students and teachers. They are encouraging everyone to get tested,
even those that tested negative the first time.
"I hope it's the last time,
I hope they get this cleared and they can have a successful year," said
Denson.
FOX54 was unable to talk to
anyone at the school but we did talk to Richmond County Superintendent Dr.
Frank Roberson who says there's nothing to worry about.
"They have not given us any
indication for alarm at this time," said Roberson.
Roberson says he is hopeful this
will be the last time, not only for the sake of the students' health but also having
things back to normal.
However, some expressed their
opinions about how things are being handled.
"I think they all should go
to the private doctor and let the parents and grandparents know," said
Lelia Richardson, grandparent of a Butler student.
"I'm very glad the health department
stepped in and helped," said Denson.
Regardless, Dr. Roberson says it is manageable.
The health department will be testing students and
teachers through the end of the week. Those that are tested must go back after
2 days to determine whether or not they have come in contact with TB.
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