Officials have reported a confirmed case of tuberculosis at Lane Middle School in Southeast Portland. The individual had recently been diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis and may have been contagious between September 3, 2024, and May 1, 2025, which could have exposed others in the school community.
The Multnomah County Health Department has reached out to those who might have been exposed through an emailed letter. However, county officials noted that there is currently little risk to the general public, and they haven’t identified any additional cases linked to the infected person.
Portland Public Schools is hosting a virtual meeting, which will also be available in person at the middle school, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, where community members can get more details about testing and where to find testing locations and times.
For individuals with questions, the Multnomah County Health Department Tuberculosis Clinic can be contacted at 503-988-3406, and they will offer free blood tests to the school community in the upcoming weeks. Those opting for a TB test with their own healthcare provider should also reach out to the clinic at the same number.
Dr. Richard Bruno, the Multnomah County Health Officer, emphasized that most people who’ve had casual contact with someone diagnosed with tuberculosis typically won’t contract the disease. Furthermore, most who do get infected will not show symptoms, particularly with the medication available today. He noted that while tuberculosis can transmit in school environments, anyone infected is unlikely to be ill yet and can be successfully treated.
On average, the county manages about 30 cases of tuberculosis each year.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through prolonged close contacts, not through casual interactions like shaking hands or sharing items. It’s crucial to seek treatment to prevent serious illness, as the infection can develop slowly. Symptoms to watch for include persistent coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood or phlegm; however, those with latent TB do not exhibit symptoms and cannot transmit the infection to others.
