Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
KENANSVILLE — Last week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services told Duplin Journal that they have seen an increase in Tuberculosis (TB) cases, with 21 active TB cases reported in the state so far this year. In 2024, the total number was 249, marking the state’s highest number of TB cases since 2010.
This rise in cases prompted health agencies to implement preventative measures. In Duplin County, the health department’s epidemiology team expanded their efforts beyond county lines, collaborating with two neighboring counties to test individuals. A total of 75 individuals were tested. “Nine tested positive for latent TB,” shared Tracey Simmons-Kornegay, the health director, during a recent departmental update at the Consolidated Human Services monthly meeting. Latent TB means that these individuals carry the TB bacteria but are not contagious and do not exhibit active symptoms of the disease.
These individuals are currently undergoing a four-month treatment. Simmons-Kornegay noted, adding that the expectation is for the treatment to be completed within the next month. This treatment is crucial in preventing latent TB from progressing to active TB. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of developing active TB depends on several factors, including a person’s immune system, certain chronic conditions, and whether they have been re-exposed to TB.
The health director emphasized that much of this work begins with identifying a positive case, followed by contact tracing—similar to COVID-19 protocols—which was essential for identifying those at risk of exposure.
Simmons-Kornegay also provided an update on the flu in North Carolina, which, at the time of the meeting, was experiencing “the highest flu rate in the last 15 years,” with 311 deaths since September 2024. Of those, 309 were adults, and two were teenagers aged 15 to 17.
“Duplin County thus far has had six deaths — four females and two males. All were “Caucasian and 65 years and older,” said Simmons-Kornegay, adding that two of these seniors died in a care facility.
COVID-19 positivity rates currently stand at 4.2% with a trend around 4-5%, indicated the health director, adding that residents can pick up free at-home test kits at the health department. These kits are also available at various locations throughout the county, including the library and nutrition sites.
In other updates, Simmons-Kornegay discussed the Health Department’s budget which operates under three distinct budget cycles.
The Health Department is also preparing for its accreditation cycle, which was extended to six years due to COVID-19. “Our current accreditation expires on May 8, 2026,” Simmons-Kornegay explained. Key deadlines include the submission of accreditation documents by Nov. 1, and a site visit scheduled for the winter of 2026.
Annie Murrell, the social services director, reported that last month the state launched the Odyssey Case Management System. Odyssey is a centralized, web-based, integrated system that allows caseworkers, courts, and other entities involved in child welfare to access a shared platform enhancing efficiency.
Murrell’s department will implement the Path N.C. for Child Welfare framework in June. This framework streamlines intake procedures, prioritizes urgent cases, and provides clearer assessment guidelines, ensuring child welfare professionals have the necessary tools and support to make the best decisions for children’s safety and well-being.
The board voted to hold the first four meetings of the Consolidated Human Services Board on a monthly basis, with subsequent meetings occurring quarterly. The next meeting is set for April 7 at 5:30 p.m.
