Eastern Michigan University student diagnosed with tuberculosis

An Eastern Michigan University student is recovering after being diagnosed with tuberculosis, campus officials said today.

The international student, who worked in the EMU Eateries, is believed to have contracted TB in her home country before coming to EMU, campus spokesman Geoff Larcom said. She has withdrawn from classes for the semester, Larcom said.

The affected student was treated and released from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

The Washtenaw County Public Health Department met Friday with students who worked with the woman with TB, Larcom said.

About 16 students who worked with the woman were tested, and results are expected back today. None of the students were experiencing any symptoms of infection, and they aren't believed to have the illness, county health officials said.

TB is typically spread through prolonged close contact, usually through respiratory contact. Health officials don't believe the illness would have spread through casual contact with any food.

"Eastern Michigan University responded very quickly and appropriately," said Diana Torres-Burgos, medical director for Washtenaw County Public Health. She said she doesn't expect any further cases of TB will be reported at EMU in connection with the case.

Washtenaw County averages about six to 10 cases of TB every year, with the majority of cases being foreign-borne. In 2008, 10 active cases of TB were identified.

EMU sent out a campus-wide notice about the situation Sunday afternoon.

"We are working closely with Washtenaw County health officials to ensure that those individuals who have been in close contact with this student are provided appropriate information and follow-up," the e-mail states. "The university is following procedures provided by the Washtenaw County Health Department and will provide the campus community with updates as needed."

TB is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly involves the lungs, but may spread to other organs. Symptoms can include cough, coughing up blood, excessive sweating, fatigue, fever, and unintentional weight loss.

Treatment usually lasts for six months, and most people diagnosed in the United States will recover from primary TB infection without further evidence of the disease.

Anyone with questions can call the county Health Department at (734) 544-6700.

AnnArbor.com health reporter Tina Reed contributed to this story.