Rowan County investigates tuberculosis case at local school system

Rowan County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) involving an individual within the Rowan-Salisbury School System in North Carolina. Health officials are working alongside the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to identify and notify students and staff who may have had significant exposure.

Free testing is being offered to those identified as close contacts. Officials stated that all individuals who have had close contact with the infected person have already been notified by either the health department or the school district. For most families in the district, no action is required unless they are contacted directly.

Health officials emphasized that TB is not an immediate emergency or life-threatening situation, as the disease typically develops over weeks or months and is curable with medication. Residents are advised not to visit emergency departments solely for TB testing unless they are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood.