Health authorities in Multnomah County have confirmed a case of tuberculosis at a middle school in Portland. This case was identified at Lane Middle School in Southeast Portland, where officials indicated that the individual may have been contagious for up to eight months. However, it’s unclear whether this person is a student.
Those who came into contact with the individual between September 3, 2024, and May 1, 2025, could have been exposed to the bacterial infection. Notifications have been sent via email to those potentially affected by the health department.
County health officials noted that tuberculosis is not easily spread; it generally requires prolonged face-to-face interactions, which usually occur regularly over a span of weeks or months. They emphasized the importance of treatment to prevent serious health issues, as effective medication is available.
Currently, health officials assess that the risk to the general public is low and there are no known additional cases tied to this incident. Dr. Richard Bruno, the Multnomah County Health Officer, reassured the public that most individuals who have casual contact with someone diagnosed with tuberculosis will not contract the disease. Furthermore, even those who do get infected are unlikely to develop symptoms, especially with the treatment options available today.
Bruno pointed out that diagnosing tuberculosis can be challenging due to its slow progression. The source of this infection remains unclear.
The county is also keeping an eye on other active cases, which are reported to be fewer than five in total. In the previous year, the Oregon Health Authority documented 87 tuberculosis cases statewide, marking a consecutive increase, while county officials manage around 30 cases annually.
Tuberculosis primarily impacts the lungs and was once the leading cause of death in the U.S. Symptoms of active tuberculosis include persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood or phlegm. There are also many individuals who carry the bacteria without symptoms, known as latent tuberculosis. These individuals are not contagious but may develop illness later if untreated.
Officials advise families and school staff to reach out to the county’s Tuberculosis Clinic at 503-988-4306 with any concerns. In the coming weeks, the Health Department will offer free blood tests for the school community.
For more information, details can be found on the county’s website.
