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Union County Public Health is investigating a case of active tuberculosis (TB) involving a Porter Ridge High School student who is following appropriate protocol for active pulmonary tuberculosis. Public Health estimates that at least 270 individuals may have been in contact with the student and should be tested for TB. To protect patient privacy, the name of the teenager will not be released.

Public Health has mailed letters to the parents of all those who may have been exposed, advising them to have their children tested. Early detection is critical for effective management of TB exposure. Public Health is providing TB testing at no cost for these contacts at Union County Human Services (2330 Concord Ave., Monroe). Anyone who tests positive may receive further support and medication at no cost.

Most people infected with TB do not become ill, as their bodies can fight the germs. This condition, known as latent TB infection (LTBI), is not contagious. However, without proper antibiotic treatment, LTBI can progress to active TB disease, which causes illness and can be contagious to others.

By law, physicians must report active TB cases to the local health department. Public Health is expeditiously following North Carolina tuberculosis case investigation protocols to effectively manage this case investigation.

“While the community should be aware of this investigation, there is no immediate risk of health problems related to this case, and there is no further risk of exposure at this time,” said Dennis Joyner, Public Health director. “Communicable disease investigation is a regular activity for Public Health and our team is well-prepared to respond to situations like this to prevent further spread. We urge parents to have their children tested if they have been identified as close contacts.”

TB is a bacterial disease primarily affecting the lungs. It can spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks. Those who inhale the bacteria may develop latent TB, which can become active TB disease if untreated. Approximately 10% of those with latent TB will develop the disease in their lifetime, while the remaining 90% carry the bacteria without symptoms.

According to the latest available state data, there were 163 cases of TB in North Carolina in 2022. In Union County, there are about four cases of tuberculosis confirmed each year. For additional information on tuberculosis, visit unioncountync.gov/tuberculosis or cdc.gov/tb.