A case of tuberculosis (TB) has been reported at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, sparking concern among students, parents, and school officials. In a letter sent to families on Tuesday, the school’s principal confirmed that an individual recently on campus had been diagnosed with the contagious bacterial infection.
According to NBC Miami, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County (DOH-Broward) is working closely with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) to manage the situation. While officials did not disclose whether the infected person is a student, staff member, or faculty, they emphasized that only those identified as close contacts have been notified.
“DOH-Broward and BCPS have identified and notified those individuals who have been determined to be a close contact,” a joint statement obtained by NBC Miami read. “No further action is needed unless you are contacted directly.”
In collaboration with the school district, DOH-Broward will be on campus Wednesday to conduct testing for affected individuals — but only with parental consent, according to a district spokesperson.
Tuberculosis is a serious airborne illness caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to the brain, spine, and kidneys if left untreated. As NBC Miami reports, TB symptoms include a prolonged cough, chest pain, fatigue, fever, and night sweats. If untreated, the disease can lead to life-threatening complications.
Fortunately, TB is both preventable and treatable. In most cases, patients are prescribed a six-month course of antibiotics. However, stopping treatment early can lead to antibiotic-resistant strains — a growing global concern. Though a TB vaccine exists, it is rarely administered in the United States due to historically low infection rates, and is more common in countries with higher TB prevalence, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Still, TB isn’t the only vaccine-preventable illness on the rise. According to the CDC, the U.S. has seen surges in diseases such as whooping cough — with nearly 8,500 cases reported this year — and measles, which has already approached 900 cases in 2025. A recent measles outbreak in Texas tragically resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated children.
In Florida, TB cases rose by 9% last year, following a national trend that began in 2021 after decades of decline.
Parents and guardians of Dillard High School students with concerns have been urged to contact DOH-Broward at 954-847-8065 for more information.
School officials, alongside local health authorities, continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
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