Testing is underway today at Tiyan High School for individuals who may have come into contact with a person diagnosed with a confirmed case of tuberculosis. 

The Department of Public Health and Social Services confirmed an active investigation is ongoing as the infected person has been isolated and is receiving treatment.

This follows a Public Health notice circulating on social media, alerting Tiyan High School employees, parents, guardians, and students that a person at the school has been diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis. 

The notice indicates that individuals who received it may have been exposed to the TB bacteria during a specific period.

The Guam Department of Education also issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, confirming that school staff, in collaboration with GDOE social workers, have reached out to parents and guardians of students who require testing, either by phone or through home visits. 

Notifications have also been provided to all students, faculty, and staff, with nurses briefing affected individuals on the next steps.

So here's what you need to know about TB. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are two types of tuberculosis: Those with latent TB do not feel sick, do not have symptoms, and cannot spread TB germs, germs known as mycobacterium tuberculosis, to others. 

However, if their TB germs become active, they can develop TB disease, and may be able to spread those germs to other people.  

TB germs can be released into the air when a person with active TB in the lungs or throat coughs, speaks or even sings. These germs can linger in the air for hours, depending on the environment. 

People with active TB are most likely to infect those they spend time with daily, such as family, friends, coworkers, or schoolmates.

Meantime, GDOE said those who test positive for tb will receive appropriate medical treatment and follow-up care.

DPHSS and GDOE  will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to prevent the further spread of TB.

For more information about TB, visit cdc.gov/tb.