News Summary
A case of tuberculosis has been reported at McLain High School in Tulsa, prompting health officials to recommend screenings for those possibly exposed. Parents and staff were informed after the Tulsa Health Department notified Tulsa Public Schools. Individuals who may have been exposed are encouraged to get tested, as TB symptoms can take time to appear. The health department is conducting free testing sessions to assist the community, ensuring the safety of students and staff before the new school term begins.
Tulsa – A case of Tuberculosis (TB) has been identified at McLain High School, prompting health officials to urge screening for individuals who may have been exposed. Parents and staff were notified of the incident on July 22, 2025, after the Tulsa Health Department (THD) informed Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) about the case a week earlier.
The TB case was identified sometime between March 1 and the end of the school year on May 23, 2025. Health officials first became aware of the case at the end of June, raising concerns about potential exposure within the community.
Identification of potential contacts requires a thorough investigation by the THD. The process begins by locating the residence of the infected individual and testing family members who share their household. Additionally, health officials investigate locations the infected person frequented, such as school, work places, and places of worship.
Individuals who have been exposed to TB may not exhibit symptoms immediately. Symptoms typically develop within three months and can include:
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Weight loss
- A persistent cough that may produce blood-tinged sputum
If left untreated, TB can lead to severe health complications, including damage to vital organs. However, health officials have confirmed that there is no ongoing risk of further exposure within the school environment from this case. It was also noted that no extra cleaning measures were necessary at McLain High School, as TB does not survive on surfaces like other germs.
In light of the situation, the THD has reassured parents, students, and staff that it is safe for them to return to McLain High School next month. For context, Tulsa records approximately 69 cases of TB each year. Nationally, there were 10,347 reported cases in the previous year, with a total of 64 cases documented in the state of Oklahoma.
To assist the community, the THD will conduct free TB testing sessions on July 23 and July 25 at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center in Tulsa from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Results will be made available on specific days depending on the testing session date. Community members who may have been exposed to TB are encouraged to reach out to the THD at 918-582-9355 for additional information or guidance regarding screening.
The THD continues to prioritize the health and safety of the community as they investigate this case of TB and provide necessary resources for those affected. Parents and staff should remain informed and proactive about health screenings during this time.
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Additional Resources
- FOX23: Health Officials Talk TB Case at McLain High School
- News On 6: Tuberculosis Case at McLain High School – What You Need to Know
- FOX23: Tulsa Public School Reports TB Case at McLain High School
- News On 6: Tulsa Health Department Alerts Public to TB Case
- KRMG: Active Tuberculosis Investigation Launched by Tulsa Public Schools
- Wikipedia: Tuberculosis
- Google Search: Tuberculosis Health Information
- Google Scholar: Tuberculosis Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuberculosis
- Google News: Tuberculosis in Oklahoma
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
