Tuberculosis case reported on IUPUI’s campus
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Nearly 400 letters were delivered this month to faculty, students and staff at IUPUI. The paragraph informed the recipients a doctor recently diagnosed a student with Tuberculosis or TB as it is commonly called.
TB is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. Anyone who breathes in the air containing the TB germs could become infected. Although it is airborne, TB is difficult to transmit. TB cannot be spread on surfaces such as a table, desk, handrail or athletic equipment. TB germs are put into the air when a person with the TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings.
Those receiving the letter were identified as a potential group who were in closest contact with the infected student. IUPUI offered free TB testing on campus, the Marion County Public Health Department also offered the testing for free.
The infected student has been placed in isolation. Doctors believe the person will no longer be contagious in two weeks after treatment.
“It’s treatable, it’s curable, the drugs are available for free from the health department, no copays, no extra charges, it’s treatable and curable,” said Eskenazi Dr. Eva Muloma.
At this time, there are no other confirmed cases of TB on campus. 24-Hour News 8 talked to several students on campus. None of whom appeared concerned about the TB case.
“I don’t think it should be that big of a problem,” said one student as he walked to class.