A confirmed case of tuberculosis is under investigation at Rowan-Salisbury schools, tell me about this news in (https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/confirmed-case-tuberculosis-is-under-investigation-rowan-salisbury-schools/GREQ7Z2C3NGGVH74JKMCDXRK3M/)

Rowan County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of tuberculosis involving an individual at the Rowan-Salisbury School System. The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health and Rowan-Salisbury Schools.

Health officials have confirmed that all individuals who had close contact with the infected person have already been directly notified and are being offered free testing. Officials emphasized that tuberculosis is not an immediate life-threatening emergency, generally develops over weeks to months, and is curable with medication.

Residents and students do not need to take action or seek testing unless they are directly contacted by health or school officials, and authorities specifically advised against visiting emergency departments or urgent care centers solely for tuberculosis testing. Active tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs, with symptoms including a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, weight loss, loss of appetite, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing.