A student at Cal Poly Pomona has become infected with tuberculosis and campus officials are alerting the 375 students and 20 faculty who may have had repeated contact with the student to get a TB skin test, campus officials said on Friday.
Students can receive free TB testing through Student Health Services.
Priority will be given to those who are contacted directly. Faculty and staff can receive testing through their regular health care provider.
The student did not live on campus. He attended classes in physics, engineering, computer science, and ethnic and women’s studies during the fall and winter quarters.
He has withdrawn from his classes this quarter and is receiving treatment. He tested positively for the disease at a hospital, said campus physician Dr. Timothy Moody.
His prognosis is good at this time.
For more information, call Student Health Services at (909) 869-4000.
What You Should Know About Tuberculosis
Q: What is TB?
A: TB, or tuberculosis, is a serious infectious disease that usually affects the lungs, but can attack any part of the body, including the internal organs and the spine.
Q: How is it spread?
A: If you have TB, you can infect others by speaking, coughing, laughing, singing or sneezing. Tiny droplets with TB germs are dispersed into the air and can be inhaled by others. It is NOT spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drink, contact with bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes or kissing.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: The symptoms of TB can include: A bad cough lasting three weeks or more; chest pains; coughing up blood or sputum; weakness or fatigue; weight loss; no appetite; chills; fever; night sweats
Q: Who was likely exposed?
A: Emails will be sent this week to those who had classes with the infected student. However, free testing is also available at Student Health Services for other students who are concerned that they might have been exposed, even if they have not been contacted by the university.
Q: Where can I go to get tested?
A: Students can go to Student Health Services in Building 46 to be tested.
Q: How much does it cost and what do I have to do to prepare?
A: The test is free for students.