Tuberculosis At USF: 90 Students May Have Been Exposed

A confirmed case of tuberculosis, involving a University of South Florida student on the Tampa campus, has been reported, according to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

The student, who is remaining anonymous, is undergoing treatment in isolation. About 90 students, faculty, staff and community members who may have come into contact with the ill student are undergoing testing, according to a press release from the department.

TB is a disease that infects the lungs, but can impact other parts of the body. It is an airborne disease and spreads by a variety of ways, including the infected person coughing, sneezing and speaking.

This is the first case of TB on the campus in 2013. The last case of TB at USF was reported in May 2012.

"USF and the Department of Health are working together to ensure the health and safety of all students, employees, and members of the student's community," said Jylmarie Lewis, Tuberculosis Center Manager for the Florida Department of Health.

USF students and employees with additional questions can call the Student
Health Services nurse line at 813-974-1797.