TB on my University Campus

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The Joplin Globe


By Wally Kennedy


wkennedy@joplinglobe.com

Eleven individuals - presumably students - at Missouri Southern State University have tested positive for exposure to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB), local health and college officials said Thursday.

The individuals are not showing symptoms that would suggest that any of them have active cases of the disease that could lead to communication of the bacteria to other people, said Dan Pekarek, director of the Joplin Health Department.

A person must have an active case of the disease to spread the bacteria and even then close contact is required to communicate the bacteria. The 11 students were not requested to wear masks as a preventive measure.

But the students have been exposed to the bacteria and they will be put on treatment regimens that will last for months, Pekarek said, noting that TB is treatable and curable.

scary part to me is that the confirmed case was in an elementary school teacher.

Obviously, one could have become exposed after that. I am just wondering if your university requires TB tests too.