More than 70 test positive for tuberculosis in El Paso

This scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts some of the ultrastructural details seen in the cell wall configuration of a number of Gram-positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. (CDC.gov)

More than 70 people at a West Texas school and a halfway house have tested positive for tuberculosis.

The El Paso Department of Public Health on Tuesday announce results of the latest examinations involving more than 400 individuals. People who were positive face additional testing to determine if that have an active form of TB and require medication.

Health officials tested staff and students from Frank Macias Elementary School, in the Clint Independent School District, and the Dismas Charities halfway house.

The school investigation began in mid-June after a person was confirmed with an active case of TB. The halfway house drew scrutiny this month after a person associated with the facility was confirmed with TB.

The El Paso area had 44 confirmed cases of tuberculosis last year.