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Butler High School TB Outbreak: Over 200 Students Identified with Latent Infections

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 19:36 GMT by SFGate
      Locales: California, New York, Illinois, UNITED STATES

HAMILTON, Ohio - February 21, 2026 - Health officials in Butler County, Ohio, are continuing to investigate a concerning outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) among students at Butler High School in Hamilton. As of today, over 200 students have been identified with latent TB infections following the initial discovery of an active TB case in a student. While the situation understandably raises alarm, public health experts emphasize the crucial distinction between latent and active TB, and are actively working to contain the spread and provide preventative care.

What is Latent Tuberculosis Infection?

TB is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While often associated with a historical disease, TB remains a global health concern. The difference between latent and active TB is significant. Latent TB infection means a person has been infected with the TB bacteria, but the immune system is successfully keeping the bacteria contained. Individuals with latent TB do not exhibit any symptoms, are not contagious, and cannot spread the disease to others. However, latent infection can, if left untreated, progress to active TB disease, where the bacteria multiply and cause illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5% of people with latent TB will eventually develop active TB disease. This risk is higher for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes, or undergoing immunosuppressive therapies. Preventative treatment for latent TB, typically involving a course of antibiotics like isoniazid or rifampin, can significantly reduce this risk, often to less than 1%.

The Butler High School Outbreak: A Timeline and Response

The current investigation began when a Butler High School student tested positive for active TB. This prompted a thorough contact tracing effort by the Butler County Health Department, in collaboration with the CDC. Contact tracing involves identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the active case - in this instance, classmates, teachers, and potentially individuals involved in recent school activities.

"The fact that we identified over 200 cases of latent infection demonstrates the effectiveness of our contact tracing and screening efforts," explained Jennifer Boyd, Butler County Health Commissioner, in a press conference earlier today. "It also highlights the potential for undetected latent infections within a population."

Health officials are currently offering preventative treatment to all identified individuals with latent TB, including students and staff. The treatment regimen, typically lasting several months, aims to eliminate the latent infection and prevent progression to active disease. The Health Department is also meticulously investigating the potential source of the outbreak. While still preliminary, investigators are exploring the possibility that a recent school trip may have played a role in the transmission.

Looking Beyond Butler High: TB Trends and Prevention

This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing presence of TB, even in developed countries like the United States. While TB incidence has generally declined over the past two decades, certain populations remain at higher risk, including foreign-born individuals, those living in crowded conditions, and those with compromised immune systems.

"We're seeing a slight resurgence of TB in some areas of the US, potentially linked to disruptions in healthcare access during the pandemic and increased international travel," stated Dr. Anya Sharma, an infectious disease specialist consulted for this report. "Regular screening for high-risk groups and prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for controlling the spread of this disease."

Symptoms of active TB disease include a persistent cough (lasting three or more weeks), chest pain, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

The Butler County Health Department has established a dedicated hotline and online resource center to provide information and answer questions from concerned parents, students, and community members. School officials, while remaining tight-lipped thus far, are expected to release a statement addressing the situation and outlining the support available to students and families in the coming days.