TB Alert at Seattle High School: What You Need to Know

The Seattle Department of Health has confirmed an active tuberculosis (TB) case linked to a student at Rainier Beach High School.
In response, the school and public health officials are urging approximately 130 individuals—students, teachers, staff, and families—to undergo a TB screening.

What’s Happening

• Exposure Notification: The school will contact each person who spent time indoors with the infected student, regardless of how long or close the interaction was.
• Testing and Treatment: The infected student is already on a six‑to‑nine‑month antibiotic regimen and is no longer contagious. Those identified as contacts will receive medical reviews and TB tests.
• Community Outreach: All affected parties will receive information this week, ensuring everyone is aware of potential risks and next steps.

Understanding Tuberculosis

• Transmission: TB spreads through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It typically requires prolonged, close contact in a confined space.
• Comparison to Other Viruses: TB is harder to catch than COVID‑19 or the flu.
• Infection Rates: In households where one member has TB, only about one third of other occupants become infected.

Treatment and Prevention

• Active TB: Most cases can be cured with standard antibiotics over 6–9 months.
• Latent TB: Many King County residents carry a dormant form that cannot spread but may activate later. The department can provide shorter treatment courses for those diagnosed with latent TB.
• Organ Involvement: While primarily affecting the lungs, TB can also impact other body parts.

Current Situation in King County

• New Cases: 110 new TB cases reported in 2024—approximately two per week.
• Program Focus: The department prioritizes diagnosing and curing active TB while screening high‑risk contacts to halt further transmission.

School’s Commitment

• The leadership at Rainier Beach High School pledges to keep the community informed.
• On‑site testing will be available for close contacts.
• The goal is to support everyone while maintaining safety.