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 She has withdrawn from classes for the semester, Larcom said.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.
Comments
David Briegel
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 7:35 p.m.
If we had a public option and everyone was covered, how big a problem could it become? I remember getting a chest xray and tb test every year in the 70's. Too expensive! Profits over public health!
amazonwarrior
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
TOOOOO SCARY!! You're right, Yadabuster, I've been in restaurant restrooms when an employee has come in and left without washing their hands. YIKES! Don't think I'll be eating out any time in the near future.
dading dont delete me bro
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 12:14 p.m.
i got the emu text messege from publick safety. i wanted to reply back that i read about it saw it on the news before emu sent it to all students signed up for that service.
M.
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 10:54 a.m.
I've worked in and managed in food service for years and never have been asked to take any health related tests. Someone has to pay for the tests; with the rate of infection (6 to 10 cases in the county per year?) I assume employers don't think it's worth the cost of testing each of their employees, especially when they could just get infected a month later. If it isn't a state/federal safety guideline or requirement, then most places aren't going to instill any extra precautions at their own expense unless it's their gimmick.
actionjackson
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.
With all of the testing for marijuana and illegal substances in most workplaces these days it seem like a TB test for a service related position would be a no brainer.
skigrl
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.
It would be nice if everyone washed their hands... But TB is spread by air droplet. There is no testing requirement for entering the US or for working in food establishments.
MjC
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.
You can be tested for TB, but still become infected after testing. Most people are tested once a year.
yadabuster
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.
hahahahhahaha. get real amazonwarrior. they don't even was their hands anymore.
amazonwarrior
Mon, Feb 8, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.
Don't people have to be tested for TB BEFORE they begin working in a food service job these days? Or is that something that has been "kicked to the curb" as being "discriminatory"??? I worked in food service years ago and had to show proof that I had the TB test before I could go any where near the food!