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Lowell public-health nursing reports TB cases have nearly doubled this year; 13 active patients currently
Summary
The public-health nursing unit reported that TB case counts have almost doubled year-to-date and that 13 active TB patients are being managed now; the board also heard updates on school-nurse staffing and vaccine-exclusion counts for students.
Public-health nursing told the board that TB case numbers have "almost doubled for the year," noting there are 13 active patients currently being managed.
Staff described adjustments in school-health staffing: the school-nurse coordinator position changed hands (Hope took the position) and the department is operating with two clinical nurse managers while hiring additional nurses and floats. Staff said there are 29 school buildings covered by 32 school nurses and explained the "1 and 3 quarters" staffing model for larger sites such as the STEM Academy, which has about 900 students.
Board members asked clarifying questions about vaccine-excluded students (19 delinquent students in pre-K through grade 8 in the record) and the department said some exclusions may be due to new arrivals or newcomers to the district.
The board received the report and had no immediate policy votes associated with it; staff said additional hiring and coverage adjustments are ongoing.
