A student diagnosed with active TB, Public Heath warns of possible exposure to CSUSB

SAN BERNARDINO, California – A student from San Bernardino, California State University, was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB) and health officials warn other students and employees who may have been exposed to the disease.

The San Bernardino County Public Health Department (DPH) has stated that the student is following a treatment and that he will return to school after obtaining authorization from the DPH.

Health officials have identified about 400 students and employees who may have been exposed to TB between April and August. Students and identified employees will receive e-mails from DPH's Communicable Disease section containing test information.

Those who do not receive a test notification are considered to be at no risk of exposure and the tuberculosis test is not recommended.

"Although the risk of infection is low, it is important for those identified to take the time to get tested," said Erin Gustafson, MD, Medical Director of CDS. "Treatment is available for those who test positive."

Tuberculosis is a disease transmitted by air through prolonged, repeated, close contact with a person infected with active TB. People can contract TB by breathing air exhaled by a person with the disease. If left untreated, TB can lead to serious complications.

Tuberculosis is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drink, or through bedding or toilet seats. All people infected with TB do not get sick. A person with inactive (latent) TB can not pass it on to others.

Although the risk of transmission is low, it is recommended that students who have been exposed should consult their primary health care provider, the CSUSB Student Health Center or DPH for testing. CSUSB employees who may have been exposed should consult their primary health care provider or DPH for testing.