Tuberculosis Case Emerges at Alabama High School, Prompting Health Alert

A confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) has been reported at **Jasper High School** in Alabama, raising concerns as the disease has re-emerged across the United States this year. The Alabama Department of Public Health announced the case on **September 26, 2025**, just weeks into the academic year, affecting a school with approximately **1,100 students**.

The school administration was informed of the situation on Thursday, and health officials quickly identified students considered close contacts. To ensure safety, the **Alabama Department of Public Health** is collaborating with the school to notify those individuals and arrange free testing. School facilities have been thoroughly sanitized using hospital-grade disinfectants, and health officials have emphasized that students and staff are no longer at risk of exposure to the identified case.

This incident follows a concerning trend, as multiple TB cases have surfaced in various states recently. In North Carolina, a high school student tested positive for the disease just weeks prior, and three cases were detected in Maine. The **World Health Organization** identifies tuberculosis as the deadliest infectious disease globally, responsible for approximately **1.25 million** deaths annually, predominantly in developing regions.

The rise in TB cases in the U.S. has been significant. In **2024**, there were **10,347** reported infections, an 8% increase from the previous year and the highest number since **2011**. This alarming trend has prompted health officials to raise awareness about the disease, which can manifest through symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.

In September alone, Maine documented three active TB cases, with officials indicating that these individuals were likely infected from separate sources. The situation in Kansas is notably severe, with state health officials reporting the “largest documented outbreak in U.S. history,” involving **67** active cases since the beginning of **2024**.

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an internal medicine physician and Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis, highlighted the importance of public health initiatives to combat this rising trend. Vulnerable populations, including children and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk. As a historical health threat, tuberculosis has claimed numerous lives throughout centuries, once known as consumption or the White Plague. While advancements in medicine have significantly reduced mortality rates, the resurgence of TB cases raises new concerns.

According to the **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)**, TB cases had been on a steady decline until **2020**, when they reached an all-time low of **7,170**. However, the numbers surged in **2021**, climbing to **7,866**, and continued to increase in the following years. The data reveals that TB infections are rising in **40** states, with only **10** states reporting a decline.

The factors contributing to this resurgence are multifaceted. Many experts attribute the increase to disruptions caused by the **COVID-19** pandemic, which resulted in reduced access to routine TB testing and treatment. Dr. Nachman, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, noted that public trust in healthcare providers has diminished, further complicating efforts to address TB infections.

Despite the rising incidence, TB can be effectively prevented and treated. The **Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)** vaccine is administered in many developing countries but is not routinely offered in the U.S. due to its variable effectiveness. Health experts emphasize the need for individuals experiencing symptoms, such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, to seek medical attention promptly.

As the situation develops, health officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and early diagnosis to curb the spread of tuberculosis. With rising case numbers, proactive measures and adherence to treatment protocols are essential in preventing further outbreaks.