Parents, students react to latest tuberculosis case at D.H. Conley

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Health officials are answering questions after a third case of tuberculosis was found at D.H. Conley High School in three years.

This marks the second case of a student in Pitt County since December 8.

Pitt County Health Director Wes Gray said an investigation is underway to find out who else may have been exposed to tuberculosis at the high school. The case was discovered over the weekend.

Multiple students at D.H. Conley said Tuesday they weren’t scared about the tuberculosis case. They explained that other students didn’t seem worried either.

However, D.H. Conley parent, Melissa Mayo, said it is a bit concerning.

“I think it’s a little bit scary, but kids get sick, and it’s part of life,” Mayo said. “As long as it’s being taken care of in a timely manner to keep everybody safe, then we’re doing the best we can.”

When deciding who is considered exposed, Gray considers age, length of exposure, size of space, and ventilation.

Gray said tuberculosis is like the flu, but it’s a bacterium and not a virus, which makes it harder to treat.

“Some of the symptoms to look out for are coughs lasting three or more weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, shortness of breath,” Gray said. “Of course, we’re right in the middle of flu and RSV, COVID season right now, so make sure you talk to your provider if you’re experiencing any of those symptoms.”

Gray said tuberculosis is treatable with antibiotics, though treatment could be six months or longer. He said sometimes symptoms take months to develop after exposure.

This is the third reported case of tuberculosis at D.H. Conley in three years. The last one was in November 2024.

Gray said the cases are purely coincidental and don’t indicate unsafe conditions at the school.

“I wouldn’t say any particular school, or church, or any place is a high-risk area,” Gray said. “Anybody could potentially be impacted any time by tuberculosis.”

He added that there has been an uptick in tuberculosis cases in North Carolina over the last five years.

Public health is giving free tests to those exposed at the school and free treatment to those who test positive.