Keller ISD confirms monkeypox case at Central High School

A person with ties to a school within Keller ISD tested positive for monkeypox during the week of Aug. 22, officials confirmed Aug. 29.

KISD stated an individual in the Central High School community was diagnosed but did not specify whether it was a student or staff member.

Central High School is located at 904 Ray White Road, Fort Worth.

“We cannot identify the individual, but we have communicated the case to our families and staff, as required by Tarrant County Public Health," the district stated in a news release. "We are in contact with local health officials and have been reassured that the risk of spread in schools is currently low. As a precaution, potential areas of concern on campus are being sanitized to help mitigate chances of spread.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a two- to four-week isolation period for confirmed cases.

Tarrant County Public Health lists 104 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the county as of Aug. 29. The first known case was reported July 11.

Monkeypox can spread through contact with bodily fluids, lesions or shared items such as bedding with a person who has been infected. It is similar to smallpox, and symptoms can include rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches.

Tarrant County offers monkeypox vaccinations by appointment. For more information, contact the Tarrant County Public Health by visiting www.tarrantcounty.com or calling 817-248-6299.