Last Updated on July 28, 2025 8:11 pm
Newland, N.C. – Toe River Health District is working with the 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 tuberculosis (TB).
Toe River Health District recently identified and isolated an individual with active TB. During the investigation, the health department identified more than 100 people who may have had close contact with the infected individual. All people who may have had close contact with the infected individual have been contacted by a public health nurse from Toe River Health District or the Avery County School System.
While most people with close contact to someone with active TB do not get sick, a small number may become infected with the TB bacteria. When detected early, an infection with TB bacteria can be treated to prevent the person from developing active TB disease. People who are sick with TB disease can be treated with medicines and cured almost 100 percent of the time.
Active TB is a disease that most often affects the lungs. People who are sick with TB often have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Cough lasting more than 3 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
“Identifying illnesses, protecting the public and working to contain this exposure is our top priority,” said Toe iver Health District Director F.M. Gardner. “We will continue to test those at risk and protect the public. I 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.
