This year in Oak Park there have been a couple of awakening stories involving the occurrence of tuberculosis in the Oak Park area.  The first story involved a janitor working at Hatch School in Oak Park.  There have also been a few students at Oak Park and River Forest High School who have had positive results from  TB scratch tests.   

The results are now in from the testing of persons at Hatch School.  The testing occurred on May 3, 1999.  A total of 339 students and staff were tested, 328 came back for their results (11 persons taking the test did not report back for results).  Of the 328 persons checking on their results, three persons had positive skin tests and were referred for chest x-rays.  Having a positive skin test means that you have been exposed to a person with tuberculoses and that you have some antibodies to the bacteria in your body.  If you look at the chart below you will see some interesting numbers.  Right now, over 50% of new cases of TB are coming from immigrants to this country.  Large immigrant populations are responsible for the high number of TB cases in Cicero and Schaumburg, as seen in the chart below.  Person of Hispanic origin as well as certain Asian population are coming to this country with previous exposure to tuberculosis.  In many areas of the world with higher populations of poor people and lower health standards, people are often exposed to this bacteria.  Cicero took broad steps forward in dealing with their tuberculosis scare.  It is now mandatory for all children to be checked for tuberculosis before they enter the elementary school system.  After Cicero had tested all of its youngsters and found significant numbers of positive skin test results, they continued their test to the immediate families and found no positive results for tuberculosis.  This was good news for Cicero.  Our state does not require anyone to record positive skin test results for tracking potential problem signs.  Indiana does require these records.  

I have now been made aware of two cases of tuberculosis skin tests taken by Oak Park and River Forest High School students who have tested positive to exposure to the bacteria.  Both of these students will be undergoing drug treatment to prevent their getting tuberculosis 40 years in the future when their immune system may weaken and cause full blown tuberculosis to invade their systems.  We will keep you informed of any new developments.  There is nothing to be alarmed about given the current state of affairs.  It would not be a bad idea though to have your children checked for free at the address listed below.  The test is less invasive than having someone else clean your teeth.  If you should require treatment that too is free to one and all.

If you own a company and would like to set up a procedure for having your employees checked just call the number below.  This would be a good idea, especially if your employees come from foreign countries.  All of this is free to Cook County residents and companies.  It is good insurance.

            * These figures are represent total active TB cases based upon information supplied by
                Suburban Cook County Tuberculosis Clinic.