Last Updated on August 1, 2025 7:31 pm
August 1, 2025
Newland, N.C. – Last week, the Toe River Health District was notified of an individual with possible active tuberculosis (TB) in Avery County, later confirmed positive. Our staff immediately developed a plan to conduct our investigation and worked with – North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health and the Avery County School System to identify individuals that may have been exposed to TB.
This individual remains isolated and is responding well to treatment. The individual’s family have all tested negative for active TB.
Over 100 individuals who may have been exposed to TB have been contacted, tested and given negative results. The Toe River Health District will continue to investigate this case until all people who may have been exposed to TB have been contacted and offered testing, but we have observed that there has been low to no spread.
We would like to continue to remind you of the symptoms of TB. If individuals experience any of these symptoms we encourage you to make an appointment with the Avery County Health Department or your provider.
Symptoms:
Cough lasting more than three weeks
Coughing up blood
Fever
Profuse sweating at night, often soaking the bed sheets
Unintentional weight loss
Poor appetite
Chest pain or discomfort
Difficulty breathing
“I am always appreciative of our wonderful communities for their cooperation and support,” said Toe River Health District Director F.M. Gardner. “We will continue to test those at risk and protect the public. If you have not been contacted by a nurse from the Toe River Health District or the Avery County School System, you do not need to be tested.”
If you have questions or concerns about TB, Toe River Health District has opened a hotline to help provide information and answers: call 828-737-6068.
