UH student being treated for tuberculosis, university working with Houston Health Department on contact tracing - KHOU.com

Those who have been identified for testing will receive a separate letter from the university with the date, time and location to go.

HOUSTON — The University of Houston is working on contact tracing after a student was treated for tuberculosis.

The university sent out an email to students and staff Tuesday saying the school is working closely with the Houston Health Department to identify any student, faculty, or staff member who should be tested for the disease.

So far, no one else on campus has been identified with symptoms, university officials said.

Those who have been identified as needing to be tested will receive a separate letter from the university with the date, time, and location.

The university will also hold a forum next Tuesday and Wednesday to educate the community on tuberculosis.

University of Houston public forums on tuberculosis

Houston Health Department officials will be on campus to give a presentation to faculty, students, and staff about TB and to answer any questions.

• What: TB Presentations for UH Community
• When: Tuesday, November 28, 11 a.m. – noon and Wednesday, November 29, Noon - 1 p.m.
• Where: Student Center South Space City Room
• Specific questions can be directed to the Houston Health Department, at 832-393-4220.

SOURCE:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What is TB?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "TB" is short for a disease called tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be contagious if it becomes an active disease; however, it is a difficult disease to catch because it is only spread through the air in proximity when favorable environmental conditions exist.

What is the difference between latent TB infection and TB disease?

People with latent TB infection have TB germs in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs are not active. These people do not have symptoms of TB disease, and they cannot spread the germs to others.

However, they may develop TB disease in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.

People with TB disease are sick from TB germs that are active, meaning that they are multiplying and destroying tissue in their body. They usually have symptoms of TB disease. People with TB disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading germs to others. They are prescribed drugs that can treat TB disease.

How is TB transmitted?

The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected; this is called latent TB infection.

Casual contact is generally not sufficient for transmission of the TB bacteria.

TB is rarely spread to persons who spend brief amounts of time together— it requires extensive direct contact with a contagious person who has active TB disease.

You cannot get TB from someone's clothes, drinking glass, eating utensils, handshake, toilet, or other surfaces where a TB patient has been.

What are the symptoms of TB?

The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood.

Can TB be treated?

TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for several months, generally 6 to 12 months.

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