Sheboygan officials investigate eight cases of TB within one family

SHEBOYGAN (WITI) -- Health officials say the number of cases of tuberculosis (TB) identified in Sheboygan County has increased to eight. However, officials say there is no reason to panic -- all eight cases are contained within one family.

Officials say the family that is affected has four students (three at Sheboygan South High School and one at Horace Mann Middle School). There is no immediate danger to anyone who has been in contact with any of the active cases of TB.

Two dozen students have already been tested -- and have produced negative results. Another 70 at the two schools are scheduled for testing.

Dr. David Phelan represents the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health. He explains that TB is spread through the air among people who spend hours in close proximity.

In Wisconsin, approximately 70 new cases of tuberculosis disease are diagnosed each year.

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