Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
A case of tuberculosis (TB) has been identified at a school in Oregon, raising concerns about potential spread. Health officials are taking action to address the situation and ensure the safety of the school community. Understanding the nature of TB, its transmission, and preventive measures is crucial as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
Tuberculosis Case Confirmed at Oregon School
State authorities have verified that an individual with an active TB infection was recently present at Lane Middle School, situated in Southeast Portland. The exact identity of the person, whether a student, staff member, or faculty, remains undisclosed, as does the precise duration of their presence on school grounds.
Possible Exposure Period
- Authorities believe the individual may have been contagious from September 3, 2024, to May 1, 2025.
- During this timeframe, others on the premises could potentially have been exposed to TB.
Health Department Response
- The local health department has contacted those identified as close contacts of the patient.
- Free blood tests will be provided to the school community in the coming weeks to detect potential TB infection.
Understanding TB Transmission and Risk
Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Richard Bruno has reassured the public that, generally, casual contact with someone diagnosed with TB does not typically result in infection.
He further stated:
Most individuals who become infected will not develop the active disease, especially with current medication regimens. While TB can spread in school environments, we anticipate that anyone infected would not yet be ill and can be effectively treated with medication.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also damage other parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, and lymph nodes.
How TB Spreads
- The infection is usually transmitted through the air when individuals with active TB cough or speak, releasing infectious droplets.
Global Impact of Tuberculosis
- Worldwide, TB remains a leading cause of death from infectious diseases.
- Over 80% of cases and fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, especially in South East Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific region.
Tuberculosis in the United States
- In the U.S., over 10,000 cases were reported, with 565 deaths in 2024, according to the CDC.
Risk Factors for TB
- Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, malnutrition, or diabetes, face a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Rising TB Cases
- Globally and within the U.S., TB cases are rising, attributed to increased international travel and migration.
Tuberculosis in Oregon
- In 2024, Oregon recorded 87 TB cases, according to data from the Oregon Health Authority and the CDC.
- This figure represents a 16.7% increase from 2023, marking the second consecutive year of rising cases.
Symptoms and Prevention of TB
Children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to contracting TB, which can lead to lasting lung damage even after successful treatment.
Symptoms of Active TB
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain
- Pain during breathing or coughing
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
TB Prevention and Treatment
Vaccination
- The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is available for TB prevention.
- However, it is not routinely administered in the U.S. due to the generally low risk of infection.
Treatment
- Infected individuals are typically required to isolate themselves.
- They also must undergo a six-month course of antibiotics to treat the TB infection.
Complications of Untreated TB
- If left untreated, TB can cause severe damage to the lungs.
- It can also spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, and spine.
Latent TB Infection
- Some people may carry TB germs in their bodies for years without showing symptoms of the illness. This is referred to as inactive or latent TB.
- Without treatment, about 1 in 10 people with inactive TB will eventually develop active TB disease, according to the CDC.