News Summary
A confirmed case of tuberculosis has been reported at McLain High School in Tulsa, prompting health officials to recommend screening for individuals who may have been exposed. The Tulsa Health Department is conducting an investigation to identify potential contacts and assess locations the infected individual frequented. While there are no ongoing risks associated with attending the school, free testing sessions will be offered for those who may have been in contact with the diagnosed individual. Community members are encouraged to reach out for more information on screenings.
Tulsa – A case of Tuberculosis (TB) has been confirmed at McLain High School, prompting health officials to urge screening for individuals who may have been exposed. The Tulsa Health Department (THD) informed Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) about the case on July 22, 2025, after being alerted a week earlier.
The infection was identified sometime between March 1 and the end of the school year, which concluded on May 23, 2025. Health department officials confirmed awareness of the case by the end of June. In response, a thorough investigation is underway to identify potential exposures to TB, which includes contacting and testing individuals who might have been in close proximity to the infected person.
Investigation and Community Safety Measures
Investigators begin the process by tracking down the diagnosed individual’s residence and testing family members who live in the same household. Additionally, health officials assess locations frequented by the infected person, including the school, workplace, and any local churches.
Individuals who have been exposed to TB could develop symptoms within three months. Common symptoms of TB include fatigue, night sweats, chills, unexplained weight loss, and a persistent cough that may produce blood-tinged sputum. It is crucial to note that if left untreated, TB can lead to severe health complications, including damage to vital organs.
Safety Assurance for Students and Staff
Health officials have reassured the community that there is no ongoing risk of exposure from the confirmed case at McLain High School. They also clarified that no additional cleaning of the school facilities is necessary, as TB does not linger on surfaces like some other germs. Students and staff are safe to return to school when classes resume next month.
TB Statistics and Free Testing Sessions
Tulsa reports approximately 69 cases of TB each year. On a national scale, there were 10,347 reported cases across the United States in the previous year, with 64 cases documented specifically in Oklahoma.
To assist individuals who may have been exposed, the THD is offering free TB testing sessions on July 23 and July 25, 2025, at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center in Tulsa. Testing will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and results will be provided on specified days, depending on the date of testing.
Community members who think they may have been in contact with the infected individual are encouraged to reach out to the THD at 918-582-9355 for further information and instructions regarding screening and testing.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
