RAMSEUR, N.C. — Health officials have identified a Tuberculosis (TB) case at Eastern Randolph High School.
According to a release from Randolph County Public Health, the individual who tested positive for TB was last at the school in late April 2024. The health department said it was informed about possible exposures on May 3.
Health officials are working with the school system to identify students and staff who may have been in close contact with this individual. Those close contacts will be notified in a separate letter. There is no immediate risk to public health from exposure.
The health department said it is also working with state consultants on TB, who have experience with these kinds of exposures.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman ran into an Asheboro woman, Janet Cook, who graduated from high school years ago; she said learning this news comes as a complete shock to her.
"It's serious, it is bacteria disease and I would be worried for any child that's at that school," Cook said.
Infectious Disease Specialist with Novant Health, Dr. Michael Morgan, said TB cases in schools have to be reported.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman asked Dr. Morgan if TB is more common among younger people, as there was another recent case at Ragsdale High School in Guilford County back in December but Dr. Morgan said no, people of all ages can get infected.
"Any time something happens in a school, it becomes public. That's what we tend to freak out more about but no, we're seeing it in all populations," Dr. Morgan said.
Tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs, symptoms include: cough, low-grade fever, and tiredness.
Dr. Morgan said being infected by TB is actually quite rare. He said he has patients who live in the same home as each other, one with Tuberculosis, while the other members of the home remain uninfected.
"Many people who are exposed don't necessarily actually get the infection, and the ones that actually get an infection, 9/10 — our body puts it to sleep," Dr. Morgan said.
It IS important to stay cautious.
Randolph County's Health Department is in the process of identifying those who may have been in close contact with this person.
The department will provide medication free of cost to anyone who tests positive for active TB.
Here are a few things to know about TB, according to Randolph County Public Health:
- TB is spread from person-to-person and develops over weeks to months.
- It is completely curable with medications.
- TB is not immediately life-threatening or an emergency.
- More information about Tuberculosis from the CDC's website.
What is Tuberculosis?
According to the CDC, TB is an infectious disease that impacts the lungs and can cause symptoms like a cough lasting for weeks, coughing up phlegm, chest pain, fever, night sweats or chills, loss of appetite, fatigue, and/or weight loss.
Here is what ERHS Assistant Principal Holly Grissom told parents in a phone call:
"I am calling to make you aware that an individual has been diagnosed with Tuberculosis at Eastern Randolph High School. Tuberculosis, also called TB, is spread from person-to-person, and develops over weeks to months; it is completely curable with medications. TB is not immediately life-threatening nor an emergency. A letter was sent home with your child today from the health department with more details regarding this situation. Furthermore, more information will be shared as confirmed exposures are identified by the state and health department during the next few days. A copy of the letter sent home with all students today also will be placed on the school’s webpage for your reference."