POSITIVE CASE OF TB on UMBC CAMPUS
On February 15, 2012,
the University notified the campus that a member of the UMBC community had been
identified as possibly being infected with tuberculosis (TB). The Baltimore County
Department of Health's preliminary tests indicate a positive test result for TB.
The Health Department has informed us that we will not have final confirmation
until all test results are in, likely in six weeks.
Upon suspicion that the individual was infected with TB, University Health
Services began working with The Baltimore County Department of Health to swiftly
isolate the individual. In addition, we have been notifying and testing people
who may have been in contact with the likely-infected individual.
It should be emphasized that tuberculosis is very difficult to contract through
typical campus life. It is a respiratory illness that requires prolonged,
sustained, close contact with an infected individual. According to the
Baltimore County Health Department:
“TB
is primarily an airborne illness. The disease is not likely to be transmitted
through personal items belonging to those with TB, such as clothing, bedding or
other items they have touched. Adequate ventilation is the most important
measure to prevent the transmission of TB. Because most infected people expel
relatively few bacilli, transmission of TB usually occurs only after prolonged
exposure to someone with active TB. On average, people have a 50 percent chance
of becoming infected with TB if they spend eight hours a day for six months or
24 hours a day for two months working or living with someone with active TB,
researchers have estimated.”
Please keep in mind that it is cold and flu season right
now. Therefore, we should not assume that any person who is coughing has TB.
Additionally, listed below are FAQ’s for the UMBC
community:
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?
The general symptoms of TB include feelings of sickness or
weakness, weight loss, fever
and night sweats. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain and the coughing up of
blood. Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area
affected.
How is TB spread?
TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. People who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected.
What actions do NOT spread TB?
Shaking hands, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or kissing does not spread TB.
How would I know if I was in contact with an infected person?
Staff from UHS will contact people believed to have had contact with the likely-infected individual. Those individuals will be instructed to get a PPD skin test. This test will be performed free of charge by UHS staff for those individuals who were contacted.
What can I do if I have questions or concerns?
Contact UHS at 410.455.2542 or visit its website at www.umbc.edu/uhs . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a great deal of useful information about TB. Visit their website at www.cdc.gov/tb .
We continue to
work closely with The Baltimore County Department of Health to manage the
situation and are taking appropriate action to protect the health of the
University community. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact
Jennifer K. Lepus, Director of University Health Services, at 410-455-2542 or
Judith Thomas, TB Coordinator for The Baltimore County Department of Health, at 410-887-2711.