Macon County Public Health and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Conducting Tuberculosis (TB) Investigation

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PRESS RELEASE (08-06-2025)

MACON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Macon County Public Health Conducting TB Investigation in Macon County

Franklin, N.C. – Macon County Public Health (MCPH), in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, is conducting a thorough investigation following a confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) involving an individual who spent time in Macon County during their infectious period.

Upon confirmation of the diagnosis, immediate steps were taken to protect the health and safety of the public, including isolation and treatment of the individual. As part of standard public health protocol, a detailed contact investigation is underway to identify people who may have been exposed to TB.

Anyone identified as a close contact will be notified directly by public health officials and offered TB testing, education, and appropriate follow-up care at no cost, in conjunction with Angel Medical Center.

TB is a serious but treatable disease. Active TB most often affects the lungs and spreads through the air when the individual coughs, speaks, or sings. It is not spread through casual contact such as touching surfaces, shaking hands, or sharing food or drink. At this time, the risk to the general public remains low.

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

“Our priority is the health and well-being of everyone in Macon County,” said Kathy McGaha, Public Health Director. “We are working carefully to identify and support those who may have been exposed, and we’re committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. If you have not been contacted directly by the health department, there is no need to seek testing at this time.”

MCPH remains committed to transparency and public health protection. For questions or concerns, please contact MCPH at 828-349-2081. 

**END PRESS RELEASE**

Additional Resources

North Carolina Tuberculosis Policy Manual 

• Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis [Centers for Disease Control]

• Tuberculosis Overview [National Library of Medicine]

The Deadliest Infectious Disease of All Time | Crash Course Lecture



What makes tuberculosis (TB) the world's most infectious killer? - Melvin Sanicas | TED-Ed