Precautions Taken After Student Tests Positive for TB

05/02/2017

Saint Louis University is taking action in consultation with our physicians and the St. Louis City Health Department after learning a SLU student has tested positive for tuberculosis (TB).

Our primary concern is for the health of our student, who is being treated by SLUCare physicians in pulmonary medicine. The student is expected to make a full recovery. And while additional cases are unlikely, we must also ensure that no one else on campus has contracted the illness, which is transmitted through tiny droplets released into the air through coughing or sneezing.

The student lives off campus and has not attended classes since a SLUCare physician first suspected the illness last month. Tests confirmed the TB diagnosis late last week. We then notified the city health department and a University committee that determines immunization requirements.

On Monday, the health department recommended TB testing for approximately 160 students and faculty who were in fall and spring classes with the student. Those students and faculty were notified today. They will need to be screened now and have a repeat test in August per health department guidelines.

This testing is being conducted as a precaution, and there is no information at this time that anyone else has become infected. However, it is imperative that the testing be done before the end of the semester. Updates will be provided in the weeks ahead.

CDC Fact sheets About Tuberculosis

 If you are a member of the SLU community and believe you have symptoms of TB, or just have questions, please call the Student Health Center at 314-977-2323.