News Summary
A tuberculosis (TB) case has been confirmed at McLain High School in Tulsa, leading health officials to investigate potential exposures and offer testing. The Tulsa Health Department is working to trace the infected individual’s contacts to prevent further transmission. Symptoms of TB include fatigue, night sweats, and persistent cough. Although TB is primarily a respiratory infection, the risk of further transmission within the school is low, and regular school operations can continue without special measures. Free testing sessions are available for those concerned about exposure.
Health Officials Confirm Tuberculosis Case at McLain High School in Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma — A case of Tuberculosis (TB) has been identified at McLain High School, prompting health officials to conduct an extensive investigation and offer testing to potentially exposed individuals. The Tulsa Health Department (THD) announced the case on July 22, 2025, after confirming that the infected individual was diagnosed sometime between March 1 and the end of the school year in late May.
Timeline and Confirmation
The THD was notified of the TB case approximately one week prior to informing the public. The department confirmed that it became aware of the situation at the end of June, initiating a thorough investigation to prevent further transmission. Officials emphasized that identifying potential exposures involves tracing the person’s whereabouts during the infectious period, including schools, workplaces, religious establishments, and other places visited.
Investigation and Testing Procedures
To contain the spread, health officials are first locating the individual’s residence and testing household members who share the same living space. Subsequently, they examine other locations the person visited while infectious. Close contacts identified through this process are being offered testing to determine whether they have contracted TB.
Understanding Tuberculosis and Symptoms
TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can impact other organs if untreated. Symptoms of active TB may develop within three months of exposure and include:
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Weight loss
- A persistent cough, which may produce blood-tinged sputum
If left untreated, TB can cause severe damage to vital organs and pose serious health risks. However, health officials stress that the risk of ongoing transmission within McLain High School is very low, and no further exposure from this case is expected in the school setting.
Implications for the School and Community
Based on current assessments, no additional cleaning or special measures are necessary at McLain High School. TB bacteria do not survive long outside the human body, reducing the likelihood of environmental spread. The THD has reassured students and staff that it is safe to return to school in the upcoming month, emphasizing that routine precautions are sufficient.
Local and National TB Statistics
Tulsa typically reports around 69 cases of TB annually. On a larger scale, the previous year saw approximately 10,347 cases reported nationwide. Within Oklahoma, there were 64 cases during that period, showing that while TB remains relatively uncommon, vigilance is necessary.
Free Testing and Community Resources
The THD is offering free TB testing sessions on July 23 and July 25 at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center in Tulsa, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Those tested will receive results based on the date of testing: results for tests conducted on July 23 will be available by July 25, and similar timelines apply for the session on July 25.
Community members who believe they may have been exposed and want testing are encouraged to contact the THD at 918-582-9355 for more information or to schedule testing appointments. Officials advise anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with TB to seek medical evaluation promptly.
Summary
While a case of TB has been identified at McLain High School, local health authorities assure the public that the risk of ongoing transmission within the school environment is minimal. The investigation is ongoing, and precautions are in place to identify and treat potentially exposed individuals. Community members are urged to participate in free testing opportunities and remain vigilant for symptoms of TB.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- FOX23: Health Officials Talk TB Case at McLain High School
- News On 6: Tuberculosis Case at McLain High School – What You Need to Know
- FOX23: Tulsa Public School Reports TB Case at McLain High School
- News On 6: Tulsa Health Department Alerts Public to TB Case
- KRMG: Active Tuberculosis Investigation Launched by Tulsa Public Schools
- Wikipedia: Tuberculosis
- Google Search: Tuberculosis Health Information
- Google Scholar: Tuberculosis Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuberculosis
- Google News: Tuberculosis in Oklahoma
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