SYLVA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Jackson County Department of Public Health, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, is investigating a confirmed case of tuberculosis involving an individual who spent time in Jackson County while infectious.

Health officials said the individual is in isolation and receiving treatment. A contact investigation is underway to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.

Public health workers will reach out directly to anyone considered a close contact and offer free TB testing, education and follow-up care in partnership with Harris Regional Hospital.

Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable illness that most commonly affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks or sings, but not through casual contact such as touching surfaces or sharing food.

Health officials said the risk to the general public is low.

“We are working carefully to identify and support those who may have been exposed, and we’re committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way,” Jackson County public health director Anna Lippard said in a news release. “If you have not been contacted directly by the health department, there is no need to seek testing at this time.”

Symptoms of active TB include a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, fever, chest pain, weight loss, night sweats and difficulty breathing.

For more information or to speak with a public health representative, call the Jackson County Department of Public Health at 828-586-8994.