The employee worked in a non-clinical classroom setting at UNLV's Shadow Lane Campus, according to a joint release from the university and the health district. The district is directing the investigation under its authority as the local health authority under Nevada law.

Based on preliminary information, UNLV said the risk of exposure is likely limited to people who had prolonged or repeated close contact with the employee on that campus. People who have not visited the School of Nursing building at Shadow Lane in the past six months are not at risk, the university said. To its knowledge, no patients in UNLV's clinical practices have been exposed.

Health district representatives visited the School of Nursing this week and are working with the school and UNLV's public health response team to gather information needed to identify potentially exposed individuals. The district follows an established, evidence-based process when active TB cases are confirmed: identifying potentially exposed people, determining the scope of the contact investigation, coordinating notifications, and ensuring that contacts—including students, faculty, and staff—receive required medical evaluation and testing.

UNLV said the investigation is in its preliminary stages. Close contacts will be notified and given information about screening and testing. If the health district determines a person needs testing, it will contact that person directly to arrange it. The university said the process affects a small percentage of its population.

"The university is thinking of the employee and wishes them a speedy recovery," the release said, asking people not to share information on social media or elsewhere that could jeopardize the employee's privacy.

UNLV acknowledged the situation can cause anxiety and pointed to available physical and mental wellness resources. The university asked for patience and compassion as the health district completes its review and testing over the coming weeks.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system and is treatable. Clark County sees approximately 70 active cases each year, according to the health district. The disease develops slowly and spreads through close, prolonged, or repeated contact—typically by breathing the same air over an extended period. It is not transmitted by touching or handling objects.

Active TB is characterized by a chronic cough that often contains blood, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Most people infected with TB show no symptoms, and the body keeps the infection in check. Roughly a quarter of the world's population is infected, though rates in the United States are among the lowest in the world.

UNLV advised anyone feeling sick, such as with a persistent cough, to seek treatment from a primary care provider. People with respiratory symptoms should consider wearing a surgical mask in enclosed public spaces. TB is treatable for those who test positive.

The health district maintains a resource page with answers to frequently asked questions about tuberculosis.