SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tuberculosis (TB) is a respiratory disease that can be transmitted through the air.
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) officials say as of 50 years ago, the disease was brought under control with fewer than 100 cases throughout the state every year.
But in the last few years since the pandemic in 2020, the state has seen a substantial uptick in cases.
"During the COVID period, infected people were not screened or tested and did not come forward. So all those people who did not take preventive medications at that time, they are now coming up with active disease now," says Dr. Naveen Patil with ADH.
A TB case has been confirmed at Har-Ber High School, according to ADH's communications director.
Meg Mirivel with ADH shared the letter that was sent out to staff and students who came in contact with a person who has been diagnosed with TB.
Symptoms may not be immediately noticeable. Symptoms include a long-lasting cough, coughing up blood, night sweats, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and chest pain.
"The infection can progress to severe illness if not found early and treated," ADH says.
Dr. Patil says parents should not worry about wide-spread contamination as the situation, "Only those people who have received the letters need to be tested, not the entire school. If there is anything else that we find that is of concern, and more people need to be tested, we'll let you know."
The ADH recommended those who did come in contact be tested to determine if they had also become infected. A free testing center is located at 614 E. Emma Avenue in Springdale. Call (479) 927-3667 to book an appointment.
According to the ADH's latest data, there were 68 cases of TB in Arkansas in 2022.
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