(COLDWATER) - Health officials in Branch County are treating and monitoring a person diagnosed with active tuberculosis.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency confirmed the case Monday.
Disease Prevention Director Heidi Hazel says strict treatment protocols and quarantine measures are in place to minimize any risk to the public.
The patient is being monitored daily to make sure medication is being taken properly. Health officials say the initial quarantine period is 14 days, when the person is considered most infectious.
Once treatment reduces contagiousness, the individual can safely return to the community.
Health officials are not releasing the patient's identity or specific location within Branch County because of privacy laws.
This is the second active TB case in Branch County this year. One case was reported in 2025 linked to Coldwater High School.
Hazel says TB remains present in Michigan, but cases are relatively rare.
Health officials are conducting contact tracing to identify and test anyone who may have been exposed. Treatment is being offered for latent TB infections to prevent future active cases.
Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue. Symptoms often develop gradually over several weeks or months.