Tuberculosis Exposures in Galveston Texas

The Galveston County Health District recently informed the Texas Gulf Island community about a Hitchcock High School staff member who has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB).

On December 20, 2024, the District confirmed the patient received treatment at a local hospital. It is actively investigating the situation and has contacted 120 students and staff who may have been exposed to the infectious bacterial disease to arrange evaluations and testing. 

Free screening is offered at the Galveston County Health DistrDistrict'sunicable Disease Office by calling (409) 938-2354.

The District wrote in a media release, 'We understand this situation may be concerning, and we want to reassure the community that we are taking all necessary precautions.'

Over the past few years, the state of Texas, like the entire United States, has reported an increase in TB cases.

Texas reported 1,235 TB cases in 2023, compared to 1,100 cases in 2022. 

In 2023, Galveston County reported 11 TB cases, while fifty miles north in Harris County, 269 TB cases were confirmed last year.

The U.S. CDC reports a 16% increase in TB cases nationwide in 2023 compared to 2022.

While TB is a vaccine-preventable disease, the 100-year-old BCG vaccine is about 50% effective and is generally offered at public health departments. However, several enhanced BCG vaccine candidates are conducting late-stage clinical trials, with aspirations for approval in 2025.