Tuberculosis Case Reported at USF

A student from the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus is being treated for a “presumed case of tuberculosis,” according to the Hillsborough County Health Department.

While that student undergoes treatment and remains in isolation, the university and health department have notified about 30 other people who have come in contact with the student to report for testing next week, according to the release.

"USF and our center are collaborating to ensure the health and safety of all students, employees, and members of the student's community," said Hillsborough County Health Department Tuberculosis Center Manager Jylmarie Lewis.

Tuberculosis typically infects a person’s lungs, but can have an impact on other parts of the body, according to the release. It is an airborne contagion that is spread when an infected person sneezes, coughs, talks or even sings around others. The disease generally only spreads to those people who have close, frequent contact with an infected person.

The case announced today is thethis year. Another student was treated in February.

Lewis said it’s not uncommon for a population the size of USF’s 40,000 to have two cases in a calendar year.

To find out more about tuberculosis, visit the Centers for Disease Control online.

USF students and faculty members with questions can call the Student Health Services nurse line at 813-974-1797 for more information during regular business hours. Students and faculty members who wish to have precautionary testing performed may contact Student Health Services at 813-974-2331 for an appointment. Charges will apply.

Anyone else with questions is asked to call the county’s health department at 813-307-8047.