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Parents warned of confirmed tuberculosis case at Dorchester County high school
Live 5 News • • health
Key Points:
- A confirmed tuberculosis case has been identified at Summerville High School, with the infectious period occurring toward the end of the 2025-2026 school year and diagnosis made recently.
- The South Carolina Department of Public Health has initiated contact tracing and notified the school district, with families of potentially exposed students to receive information on recommended testing.
- Tuberculosis spreads through close contact involving inhalation of bacteria from coughing, sneezing, or talking, but not through casual contact like handshakes or passing in hallways.
- Only about 5% of those exposed to tuberculosis develop the disease within one to two years, and there is no widely used vaccine in the U.S.; preventive measures include staying home when sick, good hygiene, and consulting a doctor if symptoms persist.
- Parents and students with concerns or symptoms such as a prolonged cough, fever, or night sweats are advised to contact their healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and testing.
