Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Unit 4 School District Investigating Tuberculosis Exposure at Local School
MEDIA RELEASE
July 14, 2026
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Unit 4 School District Investigating Tuberculosis Exposure at Local School
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has identified an individual associated with Edison Middle School who has contagious tuberculosis (TB). In conjunction with school officials and staff, CUPHD is in the process of evaluating students and staff who have been exposed. Individuals who may have had prolonged exposure have received a joint email from CUPHD and Unit 4 with directions on when and where to get evaluated. If someone does not receive an email, they do not need testing based on the current investigation.
The most common way individuals become infected with TB bacteria is by spending a significant amount of time in an enclosed space with poor ventilation with a person who has active TB. There is a difference between TB infection and TB disease. People with TB disease are sick from the bacteria that are active in their bodies. They may cough a lot, feel weak, have a fever, lose weight, cough up blood, or have night sweats. Those with the disease can spread TB bacteria to others. People with TB infection without disease have TB bacteria in their body but are not sick because the bacteria are inactive. They cannot spread TB bacteria to others. About one in ten people with TB infection become sick with the disease. TB can be treated and cured.
Communicable disease investigation is a regular activity for CUPHD. The current investigation is a routine part of preventing the spread of TB in the community. All students and staff who test positive for infection will receive further testing and medication to ensure that they do not develop the active form of TB disease.
CUPHD has established a warmline for anyone with questions regarding TB exposure. Callers can leave their name, number, and questions at 217-531-4341 and a Health District representative will contact them during regular business hours.
For more information on symptoms, testing, and treatment of TB, visit https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/tb.html.
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