SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has confirmed that a case of tuberculosis (TB) was reported at Har-Ber High School in Springdale, but Dr. Naveen Patil with ADH says parents should not worry about widespread contamination at the school.
ADH officials say as of 50 years ago, TB was brought under control with fewer than 100 cases throughout the state every year, but in the years since the pandemic, 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," Dr. Patil said.
Symptoms may not be immediately noticeable; they 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.
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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