Adams County Health Department (ACHD) is providing an update regarding its ongoing investigation into a laboratory-confirmed case of active tuberculosis (TB) disease involving a detainee at the GEO Aurora ICE Processing Center.
ACHD has confirmed one laboratory-confirmed case of active tuberculosis disease. The Department is aware of media reports and allegations regarding additional possible cases; however, ACHD has not independently verified those reports. Completing the legally required public health investigation is essential to determine whether additional individuals may have been exposed.
Public Health Investigation
Under Colorado law, local public health agencies are required to investigate every confirmed case of active tuberculosis disease. This includes interviewing the patient, reviewing medical records, identifying and notifying potential contacts, coordinating testing, and ensuring appropriate treatment and follow-up. Facilities and providers are also required to notify local and state public health authorities on strict timelines when they become aware of active tuberculosis according to state regulations. ACHD has not received communication from the facility confirming additional active tuberculosis cases.
ACHD has requested access to the patient, medical records, housing and movement information, and records needed to identify individuals who may have been exposed, a standard practice for public health officials investigating occurrences of communicable diseases. Because the requested information and access were not voluntarily provided, ACHD issued a Public Health Order on June 25, 2026 requiring compliance with Colorado public health laws governing tuberculosis investigations.
Current Status
ACHD cannot determine the full scope of potential exposures because the epidemiologic investigation remains incomplete. Individuals potentially exposed to tuberculosis by the case could include other detainees, facility staff, contractors, visitors, or individuals who have since left the facility. If contacts are identified outside Colorado or internationally, ACHD will coordinate with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other public health partners as appropriate.
Why Tuberculosis Matters
Tuberculosis is a serious airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although TB is preventable and curable with appropriate treatment, untreated active disease can cause severe lung damage, spread to other organs, and may result in permanent disability or death. Prompt identification of exposed individuals is critical to preventing additional illness.
Statement
“Adams County Health Department is aware of media reports regarding additional possible tuberculosis cases at the GEO Aurora ICE Processing Center. At this time, ACHD has confirmed one laboratory-confirmed case of active TB disease. ACHD has not independently confirmed the additional cases or allegations described in recent media reports. Colorado law requires local public health agencies to investigate every confirmed case of active tuberculosis disease, identify individuals who may have been exposed, and take appropriate measures to prevent further transmission. ACHD continues to seek the information and access necessary to complete this legally required public health investigation. This includes access to medical records, the patient, and information necessary to identify individuals who may have been exposed. Because ACHD has not yet received all of the information necessary to complete its investigation, the Department cannot independently verify reports regarding additional cases or determine whether additional individuals require or determine whether additional individuals require evaluation or follow-up. ACHD will continue working with Denver Health Tuberculosis Clinic, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, federal partners, and facility staff to protect the health of detainees, employees, and the Adams County community.” – Dr. Kelly Weidenbach, Executive Director of the Adams County Health Department.
