Positive tuberculosis case confirmed in Washington senior living facility

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Public Health – Seattle & King County is actively addressing a confirmed case of active tuberculosis (TB) linked to the Aegis Living retirement community in Issaquah.

The health department is collaborating with the facility to assess the extent of potential TB exposure and is aiding in the evaluation process for those who may have been exposed.

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This includes providing guidance and information to both staff and residents.

Public Health states that TB, an infectious disease caused by airborne bacteria, is notably harder to spread than illnesses like COVID-19, the common cold, or flu.

Infection typically requires prolonged exposure in confined indoor spaces. Even within households, only about one-third of close contacts become infected when exposed to a contagious individual, Public Health said.

As a precautionary measure, Public Health recommended that 38 people associated with Aegis Living undergo TB evaluation. This process involves a medical risk assessment and a TB test, and the facility will directly contact those needing evaluation. All staff, patients, and their families are being informed of the situation this week, regardless of their exposure level.

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If any individuals are found to have latent TB infection, Public Health will facilitate treatment to eliminate the TB germs and prevent the development of active TB disease. Latent TB infection, which is not contagious, can be treated within three to four months. The individual with active TB is currently receiving treatment from Public Health, which typically involves a six to nine-month course of antibiotics.

Active TB disease differs from latent TB infection in that it can be spread to others, while latent TB cannot. In King County, approximately 100,000 people have latent TB infection, with about 5% developing active TB within two years and another 5% over their lifetime.

TB primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. In 2024, King County reported 110 new cases of TB disease, averaging about two diagnoses per week.

For more information on TB signs, symptoms, and transmission, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s TB website.