A confirmed case of tuberculosis has been diagnosed at Lane Middle School in Portland, Oregon. The individual infected was contagious for over six months, from September 3, 2024, to May 1, 2025. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and spreads through close contact with an infected person.
According to Dr. Richard Bruno, Multnomah County Health Officer, most people who have casual contact with someone diagnosed with TB will not become infected, and those who do may never develop symptoms if treated with medication. The health department is taking precautions to inform those possibly exposed and working closely with the school to ensure public health.
The diagnosis was challenging due to mild symptoms that worsened over time. However, the health department investigates around 30 cases of TB per year. They stress there will be no community spread from this case, citing recent advances in treatment and medication regimens.
Source: https://katu.com/news/local/tuberculosis-case-confirmed-in-person-at-lane-middle-school-health-officials-say-bacterial-infection-health-sick-contagious-multnomah-county-portland-oregon