Tuberculosis case at McLain High School: What you need to know

Parents and staff at McLain High School were informed on Tuesday about a Tuberculosis case at the school.

When did Tulsa Public Schools find out about the case?

Tulsa Public Schools says they found out a week ago from the health department.

Why is information being released now?

TPS says it released the information today because the health department says this person was only recently diagnosed, and it takes time to get information.

When did the Tulsa Health Department find out about the case?

It says it was informed at the end of June.

"There's a lot of logistics that go into when we are notified, the very robust investigation that's required," said JP Williams, Associate Director of Preventive Health Services, Tulsa Health Department.

How does the investigation start?

It starts with finding out where the patient who was diagnosed lives, and testing family members in the same home because they have the highest risk of getting infected.

"And then you filter down from that point where all that, where have they been? Where do they go to school? Where do they go to church? Where do they work? All of those things are a part of the screening, initial investigation piece," said Williams.

What else does the Health Department look for?

Once that information is determined, the Health Department says there's more information they need to move the investigation forward.

Williams said, "You have to find these individuals, and then you have to make contact with those individuals, who can also factor into the timing."

What is the time period for when symptoms start to show?

The Health Department says people who've been around someone with tuberculosis for an extended period have a three-month period where symptoms can show up or can develop active TB in the future.

Has there been an uptick in cases?

Williams says no.

"So that's encouraging. But what we want to do at this point is, again, put the information to the individuals that were potentially exposed," said Williams.

Is it safe to go back to McLain High School?

The health departments say there is no risk of further exposure from this case and no need for extra cleaning because TB doesn't linger like other germs and viruses.

The health department is safe for students and staff to return to McLain High School next month.

How many active cases are diagnosed in Tulsa each year?

The health department says 11.

How many active cases are diagnosed in Oklahoma each year?

The health department says 69 cases each year since 2020.