TO: Coldwater High School Parents and Staff

FROM: Coldwater Community Schools and Branch-Hillsdale-St Joseph Community Health Agency

DATE: August 28, 2025

RE: Person with Tuberculosis at Coldwater High School

Dear Parents and Staff,

An individual at Coldwater High School was recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). The Branch-Hillsdale-St Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJCHA) was recently notified and an investigation has been initiated. BHSJCHA has notified Coldwater High School (CHS), and has confirmed the individual is currently undergoing treatment. This letter shares information about TB, steps CHS and BHSJCHA are taking together, and recommendations for parents, students, and staff.

What is TB?

• TB is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine.
• Extended periods of time in enclosed spaces are required for TB to spread between people. While TB is contagious, it's not as easily spread as other illnesses, such as the flu or a cold. People cannot get TB from shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, sharing toothbrushes or school supplies, kissing, or touching bed linens or toilet seats.

What steps are CHS and BHSJCHA taking?

CHS is working with BHSJCHA to identify potential students and staff from the Spring Semester of the 2024-25 school year to determine who should be evaluated for TB infection. In the coming week, anyone identified as being potentially exposed to TB will receive a notification with recommendations for testing and a health questionnaire. BHSJCHA, in partnership with CHS, will communicate how the health questionnaire and testing can be completed. Evaluation and testing through BHSJCHA will be at no cost to family or staff.

What can you do as a parent or staff member?

• If you or your child are not identified as exposed to TB, no action is required on your part, and testing is not recommended. However, if you choose to seek testing for your peace of mind, you may contact your doctor or the BHSJCHA clinic at 517-279-9561 extension 123.
• Monitor for TB signs and symptoms in yourself or your child. Although it is cold and flu season, TB symptoms can be different. Active TB disease can cause a cough with or without blood, sweating at night, weight loss or inability to gain weight, low appetite, feeling tired, swollen glands, or chest pain, among others. These symptoms can start gradually and not go away for months.
• If you or your child have these symptoms, contact your doctor and BHSJCHA team using the information below.
• Watch for further CHS and BHSJCHA communications. If you or your child is identified as being exposed to TB, be ready to complete a consent form for evaluation and testing, as well as receive notification for where and when evaluation and testing will occur.
• Please see the attached TB fact sheet accompanying this letter.

We understand this news may raise concerns, but please know although active TB can be a serious disease, it is a treatable condition. TB outbreaks are also uncommon in United States school settings. In any case, please note we are committed to both an individual’s right to privacy and protecting the health of all students and staff.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the public health nurse team at epihelp@bhsj.org or 517-279-9561 ext. 123.

Below are fact sheets regarding tuberculosis.

More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/tb/signs-symptoms/index.html