Health officials are on the lookout after a case of tuberculosis was reported in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, a small town whose incoming President Donald Trump drew attention during a demonstration in September. Trump highlighted the stunning 2,000% growth of Haitian migrants in the city in just a few short years, many of whom were diverted to local factories like cattle. The case of tuberculosis has heightened fears of a possible outbreak.
A Charleroi Area School District superintendent reported Monday morning to parents a teenager recovering from tuberculosis who returned to class without doctors’ permission.
“I’m writing to provide an update on a recent health issue involving one of our high school students. A student who went to school today was diagnosed with tuberculosis a few weeks ago. Upon learning that the student had returned without the doctor’s permission to return to school, we immediately isolated the student and sent him home,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zelich wrote in the letter.
Zelich continued, “Please know that we are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to work with appropriate health authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.”
A little more than two weeks ago, Zelich called social media posts mentioning the “alleged TB outbreak” fake news: “We are aware of recent social media posts spreading inaccurate information about an alleged TB (TB) outbreak.”
Think tank America 2100’s Nate Hochman noted in X, “Charleroi is a small town in Pennsylvania. In recent years, it has been flooded with thousands of Haitian immigrants. In the school system, the number of non-English speaking students has increased by 1,800%. Now one student just tested positive for tuberculosis.”
“Who would have thought that tuberculosis at Charleroi High School,” said one X user.
No comment….
Within weeks, the Charleroi Area School District shifted from calling social media posts about a possible TD outbreak “fake news,” now acknowledging that at least one student has caught a highly contagious bacterial disease that typically affects the lungs.
Was there a cover-up?
Residents are furious (via the Facebook group “Charleroi Ramblings”):
Another question: Is there an active tuberculosis outbreak in a city flooded with immigrants from third countries?
