Mecklenburg County Investigates Tuberculosis Case at Alexander Graham Middle School
Mecklenburg County health officials are investigating a confirmed case of tuberculosis at Alexander Graham Middle School in south Charlotte. Contacts are being notified to prevent the spread, though the overall public risk is considered low.
Charlotte, NC, September 2, 2026 — Mecklenburg County health officials have launched an investigation into a confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) identified at Alexander Graham Middle School, located in south Charlotte. The discovery has prompted public health authorities to take steps to identify and notify individuals who may have had contact with the infected person, a standard procedure aimed at preventing further transmission of the disease.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department is actively managing the situation. As part of its protocol, health officials are in the process of identifying and notifying close contacts of the individual diagnosed with tuberculosis. This process is crucial for public health efforts to contain potential outbreaks and ensure timely medical intervention for those who may have been exposed. Specific details regarding the number of contacts or the exact timeline of exposure were not immediately available.
Despite the confirmed case within the school community, officials have stated that the overall public risk associated with this incident is considered low. This assessment is typically based on factors such as the type of TB infection (latent versus active), the duration and intensity of contact, and the effectiveness of implemented control measures. Further information on the specific findings leading to this risk assessment was not provided.
Tuberculosis is a potentially serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is spread through the air when a person with active TB in their lungs coughs, speaks, or sings. However, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick; some people have latent TB infection, where the bacteria are present but inactive and do not cause symptoms. Public health departments play a vital role in tracking, managing, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases like tuberculosis within communities.
The Health Department has not released further details regarding the individual diagnosed with TB, including their identity or the specific nature of their condition (latent or active TB). The school district has been notified and is cooperating with the health department’s investigation. Additional information about the school’s response or any specific measures being taken on campus beyond contact notification was not detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by Luke Tucker on www.wbtv.com, see more information here.
