Possible TB Exposure at MacArthur High

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has initiated an investigation into a possible tuberculosis (TB) exposure at MacArthur High School in Irving. The potential exposure is believed to have occurred during the previous school year, 2025-26.

DCHHS is advising voluntary tuberculosis testing for students who attended the school during the 2025-26 academic term and are now returning as 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. This recommendation excludes incoming ninth graders, new students, and those already tested last year.

Officials emphasize that this is a precautionary measure, noting that the risk to the general public is low. The testing recommendation is based on the fact that latent TB infections, which are asymptomatic, can still harbor the bacteria.

Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection, primarily affecting the lungs, that can spread through airborne particles. It poses a higher risk to individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, severe kidney disease, or those undergoing certain medical treatments.

Common symptoms of a primary TB infection can mimic flu-like symptoms. Active TB disease, however, presents more severe signs such as persistent cough, chest pain, fever, chills, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. TB can also affect other parts of the body beyond the lungs.

Treatment for latent TB infection involves medication under professional guidance. Active TB disease requires a more extended course of medication, typically lasting 4 to 9 months, with patients urged to complete the entire treatment to prevent drug resistance. The emergence of drug-resistant TB strains is a growing concern, often linked to incomplete or improperly managed treatment.

Irving ISD is coordinating with families, providing letters and consent forms for the testing process. Families are advised to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or if they experience severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing.