Investigation Underway for Tuberculosis Case in Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. — Health officials have initiated an investigation following a confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) in Jackson County, where the individual was present during their contagious period.

On August 5, 2025, the Jackson County Department of Public Health (JCDPH) announced they are collaborating with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to manage the situation.

After the TB diagnosis was confirmed, officials took immediate action, which included isolating the affected person and beginning treatment to safeguard the community.

A thorough contact investigation is also in progress to pinpoint individuals who might have been exposed. Local officials stated that those identified as close contacts will receive direct notifications from public health representatives and will be offered free testing, education, and follow-up care.

“Our main concern is the health and safety of everyone in Jackson County,” said Public Health Director Anna Lippard. “We’re diligently working to identify and assist those who may have come into contact with the infected individual, and we aim to keep the community informed throughout this process. If you haven’t been directly contacted, it’s unnecessary to seek testing right now.”

While TB is indeed a serious condition, officials reassured that it is manageable, and the risk to the overall public remains low. For any queries or concerns, the JCDPH can be reached at 828-586-8994.

Understanding Tuberculosis

According to a provisional report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tuberculosis cases have been on the rise in the U.S. since 2021. The report noted 10,347 TB cases in 2024, a rise from 9,633 in 2023. North Carolina mirrored this trend, reporting 215 cases in 2023 and increasing to 250 in 2024.

Active TB typically affects the lungs and is transmitted through the air during actions like coughing, speaking, or singing. It is not spread through casual interactions such as touching surfaces or sharing food.

Local officials indicated that those suffering from TB may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Cough lasting over three weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Fever
• Excessive night sweating
• Unintentional weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing

For more information on tuberculosis and preventative measures, you can visit CDC.gov.