What is tuberculosis? Person at Waukegan High School in Chicago area diagnosed with disease: Lake County Health Department
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — A case of tuberculosis was reported in a north suburban high school.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The Lake County Health department said a person was recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis, also known as TB.

The person was at the Waukegan High School campus, officials said.

Those who might have been exposed have been notified by officials.

A spokesperson for Waukegan High School said they were aware of the diagnosis.

The school will collaborate with the Health Department to host a virtual information session for Waukegan High School parents, staff, and students on Tuesday night.

TB is a disease caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, according to the CDC. It is one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers, the federal health agency says.

TB is spread in the air from one person to another. When a person with TB coughs, speaks or sings, germs are expelled into the air — where they can linger for several hours — before another person breathes in the air and becomes infected.

Signs and symptoms include a cough that lasts for three weeks or longer, coughing up blood or phlegm, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, chills and night sweats, according to the CDC.

Some people become infected with TB germs that live in the body for years without causing illness. This is known as inactive TB or latent TB.

ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
a bear struggles to leave small crawl space under home

Massive 550-Pound Bear Successfully Removed from California Home After Unusual Eviction Strategy Ends Monthslong Standoff

A hefty 550-pound bear, which had taken up residence beneath a California…
Listen: Barron Trump's new accent as he 'takes lessons to alter voice'

Barron Trump’s Surprising New Accent: The Voice Transformation Everyone’s Talking About!

Barron Trump, now 19 years old, is reportedly undergoing lessons to modify…
Protests over federal enforcement operations after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland

Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Federal Enforcement Actions Following Minneapolis and Portland Shootings

In the heart of Minneapolis, a palpable sense of anger and frustration…
Minneapolis protesters confront federal agents day after deadly shooting

Governor Walz Mobilizes National Guard After Fatal ICE Incident Shakes Minneapolis

On Thursday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took the decisive step of mobilizing…
'Clay County deserves better': Crowd demands school board member resign after racial comments

Community Urges Clay County School Board Member to Resign Following Controversial Racial Remarks

Following controversial remarks by board member Robert Alvero, citizens gathered in protest…
Margaret Cho reveals horrific side effect of weight loss drug

Margaret Cho Opens Up About Unexpected Effects of Popular Weight Loss Medication

Margaret Cho has faced a long battle with eating disorders, and during…
Jonathan Gerlach arrest: Cops find more than 100 skeletal remains in man's Ephrata, Pennsylvania home

Shocking Discovery in Ephrata: Over 100 Skeletal Remains Uncovered in Jonathan Gerlach’s Home

A Pennsylvanian man is now facing a staggering list of over 500…
Brooklyn Beckham warned parents to only contact him through lawyers

Brooklyn Beckham Advises Parents to Communicate Exclusively via Legal Channels

The relationship dynamics within the Beckham family took a significant downturn last…