UTSA and metro health department to provide TB testing
(Oct. 17, 2001)--Following a UTSA student’s positive diagnosis for tuberculosis (TB), health center staff at UTSA and representatives of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District are providing free testing for students, faculty and staff who believe they may have had contact with the student.
Following the student’s diagnosis, health officials initiated the process of informing students, faculty and staff who may have had direct contact with the undergraduate. The university will not reveal the student’s name, citing privacy concerns. But members of the university community who are not contacted by the health department and feel they may need to be tested for TB should call University Health Services at 458-4142.
TB, a disease that is spread from person to person through the air, usually affects the lungs and can be easily prevented and cured with medication. Annually, there are about 22,000 new cases of TB in the United States and fewer than 100 in San Antonio. Symptoms of TB include fatigue, weight loss, fever and/or night sweats for a prolonged period of time.
"Working with the city's health department, health center staff members at UTSA are contacting all individuals who may have had contact with this student," said Rosalie Ambrosino, vice president for student affairs. "The health and wellness of our students are of primary concern at UTSA, and we take this particular situation very seriously and will work with all individuals who may be affected in any way."
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Facts about Tuberculosis:
Who gets TB?
Anyone can contract TB, but some people are at higher risk, including individuals
who live with someone who has TB or share the same breathing space in a confined
area.
How can I tell if I have TB?
First, one gets a TB skin test. If the test result is positive, one is given
an additional test to confirm the presence of TB infection or TB disease.
What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease?
People with TB disease are sick from active germs in their bodies and usually
suffer from one or more symptoms of the disease. Individuals with TB infection,
but not the disease, have the germs that cause TB in their bodies. They are
not sick though, as the germ is inactive, but may develop the disease in the
future.
How is the skin test administered?
A small needle is used to put some
testing material, called tuberculin, just under the skin. This is usually
done on the inside of the arm. The person getting the test must return in
48 to 72 hours to see if there is a reaction to the test. A relatively simple
test to administer, individuals in the State of Texas who work with children,
such as teachers and child care center employees, are required to take the
test.
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