by David Yirchott | CBS46 |
KENNESAW, GA (CBS46) -
Kennesaw State University released the following statement regarding testing for tuberculosis following someone from the university testing positive for the illness:
Kennesaw State University officials have scheduled free tuberculosis testing for members of the campus community, after being notified by the Cobb County Board of Health that an individual at the university tested positive for the illness.
According to Dr. Megan Bowles, director of Kennesaw State’s Student Health Services, while the risk of exposure and infection to the general campus population is extremely low, the university is taking every precaution as recommended by the state of Georgia tuberculosis guidelines. Campus officials are working with the Cobb County Board of Health to address the situation and to ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff.
Kennesaw State’s WellStar Student Health Services, in conjunction with staff from the Cobb County Board of Health, will provide the Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST) in the University’s Social Sciences Building. The first part of the test will be administered on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and health officials will return to campus on Thursday, Feb. 5 to interpret the skin test results.
University officials have notified the entire campus community through multiple channels, and sent separate notifications to those who had frequent contact with the infected individual. The additional notification, which was sent to approximately 200 persons, strongly encourages them to receive a TST to identify if any exposure has occurred. Individuals who do not participate in the on-campus testing are being urged to provide a written report from a physician verifying that a test was conducted and the test results.Failure to provide test documentation will result in further contact by the Cobb County Health Department.
Frequently Asked Questions and additional information about tuberculosis is available on the Kennesaw State University Health Clinic website at: http://studenthealth.kennesawstateauxiliary.com.