One TB case connected to Hartsville High School

A confirmed case of tuberculosis, connected to Hartsville High School, has prompted South Carolina health officials to begin identifying potentially exposed individuals. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the finding over the last 24 hours.

Parents received notification Tuesday evening through a letter from the Darlington County School District. The communication assured families that “it is safe for students, faculty and visitors to be inside the school,” explaining that tuberculosis transmission requires “sharing air space in a confined area for a prolonged period of time” and cannot spread through surface contact.

The district letter detailed symptoms of tuberculosis, including “a prolonged cough that produces phlegm, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats or fevers,” distinguishing these from common respiratory illnesses like COVID, flu, or RSV.

Students will receive additional information today indicating whether testing is needed. Health officials noted that tuberculosis typically responds to antibiotic treatment.

Those seeking more information can visit the DPH tuberculosis resources website at https://www.dph.sc.gov/…/tuberculosis-resources-public or contact the DPH Careline at 1-855-472-3432.