JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Health officials confirm an investigation is underway after a person with a confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) spent time in Jackson County during their infectious period.
In an Aug. 5, 2025, news release, the Jackson County Department of Public Health (JCDPH) said it is working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health on the investigation.
After the TB diagnosis was confirmed, county officials said they took immediate steps to protect the public, including isolating and treating the infected individual.
13TH WHOOPING COUGH CASE CONFIRMED IN HAYWOOD COUNTY
A detailed contact investigation is also underway to identify people who may have been exposed to the disease. Jackson County officials said those identified as having close contact with the TB case will be notified directly by a public health official and offered testing, education, and follow-up care at no cost.
“Our priority is the health and well-being of everyone in Jackson County,” Public Health Director Anna Lippard said. “We are working carefully to identify and support those who may have been exposed, and we’re committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. If you have not been contacted directly by the health department, there is no need to seek testing at this time.”
Although TB is a serious disease, county officials say it is treatable and the risk to the general public remains low. Those with questions or concerns are asked to contact the JCDPH at 828-586-8994.
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About tuberculosis
According to a provisional report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the country has been increasing since 2021. The report stated there were 10,347 TB cases in the U.S. in 2024, up from 9,633 cases in 2023. North Carolina followed the nationwide trend, with 215 cases reported in 2023 and 250 cases in 2024.
Active cases of tuberculosis often affect the lungs and spread through the air when coughing, speaking, or singing. It is not spread through casual contact, like touching surfaces, shaking hands, or sharing food or drink.
Jackson County officials said those sick with TB often have one or more of these symptoms:
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Fever
- Profuse sweating at night, often soaking the bed sheets
- Unintentional weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
Visit CDC.gov for more information on the disease and prevention measures.
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