ADPH Works on Screening and Follow-up of TB Case at Auburn University
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: June 28, 2012
On
June 27, Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) officials notified
Auburn University of plans to investigate a case of pulmonary
tuberculosis identified in an Auburn University student enrolled on the
Auburn campus.
ADPH and Auburn University are working closely to ensure that University
students and employees will be screened quickly.
The state and local health departments are communicating regularly with Auburn University to keep its faculty, administration and students updated on this ongoing process.
Dr. Mary McIntyre, Assistant State Health Officer for Disease Control and Prevention, stated, "We are working very closely with the University to develop and implement a screening plan. As with any identified case of tuberculosis in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures."
On June 27, ADPH and university officials began identifying students enrolled in classes as well as faculty and staff, who might have been in close contact with the student. According to the ADPH, "close contact" is defined generally as spending an extended amount of time with the subject in a physically close environment. Those who were in contact with the individual have been notified and testing begins Thursday.
A meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the second floor conference room of the Auburn University Medical Center to answer any questions from the public.
Tuberculosis is a treatable and preventable disease. Persons who were in close contact with the suspect case will be rapidly assessed and appropriate preventive measures taken, according to ADPH officials. The Health Department recommends that only those who were in close contact with the student need to be tested.
Auburn University officials said the student presented documentation indicating a negative test for tuberculosis prior to admission to the University, which is required by Auburn University policy.
For additional information, contact Pam Barrett, director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Division, at (334) 206-6228 or (334) 850-1155.
The state and local health departments are communicating regularly with Auburn University to keep its faculty, administration and students updated on this ongoing process.
Dr. Mary McIntyre, Assistant State Health Officer for Disease Control and Prevention, stated, "We are working very closely with the University to develop and implement a screening plan. As with any identified case of tuberculosis in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures."
On June 27, ADPH and university officials began identifying students enrolled in classes as well as faculty and staff, who might have been in close contact with the student. According to the ADPH, "close contact" is defined generally as spending an extended amount of time with the subject in a physically close environment. Those who were in contact with the individual have been notified and testing begins Thursday.
A meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the second floor conference room of the Auburn University Medical Center to answer any questions from the public.
Tuberculosis is a treatable and preventable disease. Persons who were in close contact with the suspect case will be rapidly assessed and appropriate preventive measures taken, according to ADPH officials. The Health Department recommends that only those who were in close contact with the student need to be tested.
Auburn University officials said the student presented documentation indicating a negative test for tuberculosis prior to admission to the University, which is required by Auburn University policy.
For additional information, contact Pam Barrett, director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Division, at (334) 206-6228 or (334) 850-1155.
