Union County high school student tests positive for tuberculosis. At least 270 exposed

A Union County high school student tested positive for tuberculosis, and at least 270 people may have had contact with the person, according to the county public health department .

Union County is not releasing the name of the Porter Ridge High School student in order to maintain the person’s privacy. It’s not clear where or how the person was exposed or how they exposed others. The health department sent letters to all of the parents of students who may have been exposed, advising them to have their children tested in order to detect the disease early if they have been infected.

Physicians are required by law to report active TB cases to the local health department, which is how Union County Public Health was alerted to the case. The person tested positive earlier this month.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial disease primarily affecting the lungs that can spread through the air when a person with an active infection coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks. While it is still rare in the U.S., the country’s cases have been increasing each year since 2020 , reaching a ten-year high in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Nationally, 9,615 TB cases were reported in 2023.

“Tuberculosis is viewed by many as sort of an old disease that we don’t see much anymore, and while it’s not as prevalent as it was years and years ago, it is definitely still out there,” Union County Public Health Director Dennis Joyner told The Charlotte Observer.

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, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Is tuberculosis contagious?

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.

“In this case, it is pretty much under control,” Joyner said. “There is no immediate risk of health problems related to this case, and there is no further risk of exposure at this time.”

Union County 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.