Active tuberculosis case confirmed at Dillard High School, testing planned

A case of active tuberculosis has been identified at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, prompting health and school officials to notify those who may have had close contact with the individual. The Florida Department of Health and Broward County Public Schools emphasized that only those directly contacted need to take further action, and there is currently no outbreak at the school. Health officials will be on campus to offer TB testing to students with parental consent. Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs but can impact other organs; it is curable with a sustained course of antibiotics. Recent CDC data shows TB cases have been rising in both Florida and the U.S. after decades of decline. Officials have not disclosed whether the affected individual is a student or staff member, and no additional cases have been reported.