Confirmed Tuberculosis Case at McLain High School

News Summary

Parents and staff at McLain High School have been notified of a confirmed case of Tuberculosis within the school community. The Tulsa Health Department alerted the school about the situation after an investigation traced possible exposure from March to May. Although individuals exposed may experience symptoms, health officials assure that there is currently no risk of further exposure. Free TB testing will be available for those potentially affected, and additional cleaning measures are deemed unnecessary. Ongoing communication and proactive health measures are essential to maintain safety.

Tulsa – Parents and staff at McLain High School have been notified of a confirmed case of Tuberculosis (TB) identified within the school community, with the announcement made on July 22, 2025. The Tulsa Health Department (THD) alerted Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) about the situation a week earlier, indicating that the exposure could have occurred any time between March 1 and the end of the school year on May 23, 2025.

The THD confirmed it became aware of the TB case at the end of June, prompting a thorough investigation to identify individuals who may have been in close contact with the diagnosed individual. This process involves tracing the infected person’s steps, which may include their home, school, and other locations where they have spent time, such as workplaces and places of worship.

Symptoms and Health Risks

According to health officials, individuals potentially exposed to TB may begin to show symptoms within three months of exposure. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Weight loss
• A persistent cough that may produce blood-tinged sputum

If left untreated, TB can result in severe health consequences, including damage to vital organs. However, health officials have reassured the community that there is currently no risk of further exposure stemming from this specific case at McLain High School.

Safety Measures and Testing

In light of the situation, the THD has stated that additional cleaning at McLain High School is unnecessary, as TB does not persist in the environment like other infectious agents. Students and staff can return safely to school activities next month without concerns of exposure linked to this incident.

For those who may have been in contact with the infected individual, the THD will offer free TB testing sessions on July 23 and July 25 at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center in Tulsa. These events will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and individuals will be informed of their results on specific days based on their testing date.

Community Health Statistics

Tulsa sees an average of 69 TB cases annually. The situation mirrors a broader trend in the nation, with 10,347 TB cases reported across the United States last year and 64 cases recorded in Oklahoma specifically.

The health department is urging community members who believe they may have been exposed to the infected individual to reach out for more information or to arrange for screening. They can contact the THD at 918-582-9355 for assistance.

Conclusion

In summary, while a TB case was confirmed at McLain High School, health officials have taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the school community. Ongoing communication and proactive health measures will be essential in managing this situation and maintaining public health.

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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