A case of tuberculosis (TB) has been reported at Dillard Excessive Faculty in Fort Lauderdale, sparking concern amongst college students, mother and father, and college officers. In a letter despatched to households on Tuesday, the college’s principal confirmed that a person not too long ago on campus had been identified with the contagious bacterial an infection.
In response to NBC Miami, the Florida Division of Well being in Broward County (DOH-Broward) is working intently with Broward County Public Colleges (BCPS) to handle the scenario. Whereas officers didn’t disclose whether or not the contaminated individual is a pupil, workers member, or college, they emphasised that solely these recognized as shut contacts have been notified.
“DOH-Broward and BCPS have recognized and notified these people who’ve been decided to be a detailed contact,” a joint assertion obtained by NBC Miami learn. “No additional motion is required except you might be contacted instantly.”
In collaboration with the college district, DOH-Broward can be on campus Wednesday to conduct testing for affected people — however solely with parental consent, in keeping with a district spokesperson.
Tuberculosis is a severe airborne sickness brought on by micro organism that primarily impacts the lungs however also can unfold to the mind, backbone, and kidneys if left untreated. As NBC Miami reviews, TB signs embody a protracted cough, chest ache, fatigue, fever, and evening sweats. If untreated, the illness can result in life-threatening issues.
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Thankfully, TB is each preventable and treatable. Most often, sufferers are prescribed a six-month course of antibiotics. Nonetheless, stopping remedy early can result in antibiotic-resistant strains — a rising world concern. Although a TB vaccine exists, it’s not often administered in america attributable to traditionally low an infection charges, and is extra widespread in nations with larger TB prevalence, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Nonetheless, TB isn’t the one vaccine-preventable sickness on the rise. In response to the CDC, the U.S. has seen surges in ailments similar to whooping cough — with practically 8,500 circumstances reported this yr — and measles, which has already approached 900 circumstances in 2025. A current measles outbreak in Texas tragically resulted within the deaths of two unvaccinated kids.
In Florida, TB circumstances rose by 9% final yr, following a nationwide development that started in 2021 after a long time of decline.
Dad and mom and guardians of Dillard Excessive Faculty college students with considerations have been urged to contact DOH-Broward at 954-847-8065 for extra info.
Faculty officers, alongside native well being authorities, proceed to watch the scenario intently to make sure the protection of all college students and workers.
