CLARK COUNTY, Wash. — Clark County Public Health is investigating an active case of tuberculosis (TB) at Heritage High School.
The patient spent time inside Heritage High School before the school closed in March, but health officials said the risk of the disease spreading to students, staff, or even the public is low. There is no evidence of additional cases.
A local health care provider reported the possible TB case on June 4. The case was confirmed on June 6.
Clack County Public Health has identified approximately 150 people who may have been in close contact with the patient and has mailed letters to those people recommending they get tested for TB. It is also working to identify other locations where the person spent prolonged periods of time to identify other people who may have been at risk of contracting TB.
According to Clark County Public Health:
Tuberculosis is caused by a germ that is spread from person to person through the air. TB is usually spread through prolonged close contact with someone who is contagious. Active TB disease does not develop immediately after a person is infected. Early identification and treatment of people who are infected can prevent them from developing active TB disease.
Tuberculosis cases are rare but happen every year. In 2018, America recorded less than 10,000 cases of TB.
