INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Health officials are seeking out people who may have come into contact with an Indian River State College student who has been diagnosed with Tuberculosis, which is commonly referred to as TB.
Approximately 120 classmates and instructors have been identified as potential contacts, according to a statement released by the Florida Department of Health. They have been contacted to undergo testing as a precautionary measure. All other IRSC students and employees were sent e-mails advising them of this isolated case and providing them with general information regarding TB.
The infected student, who has not been identified, is currently receiving medical care, and is not attending college.
According to Indian River County Health Department Administrator Miranda Hawker, there is no risk to those continuing to work or attend classes at IRSC.
“TB specialists at the Florida Department of Health in Indian River and St. Lucie Counties routinely perform contact investigations related to TB,” she said in the statement released by the Health Department. “The Department’s priority is to quickly treat anyone infected with TB and identify others who may have been exposed to prevent them from becoming sick in the future.”
The release goes on to say the following:
Several cases of TB are typically identified and treated in the Treasure Coast region each year, with a total of 652 cases recorded in Florida in 2013. TB is a treatable and curable disease. Symptoms of active TB may include a productive cough for more than three weeks, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and sometimes coughing up blood. TB may be passed on to others who are in prolonged contact (usually at least 6-8 hours) with a TB patient via airborne particles most commonly spread through coughing. It is not spread through direct contact with surfaces or eating utensils.
“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of area residents, as well as IRSC students and staff. We are taking proactive and precautionary measures to protect the health of all,” Hawker added.
IRSC students and employees who would like more information regarding TB or other health conditions are encouraged to contact the college’s Health and Wellness Center.
In addition, more information on TB and health matters is available through the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/tb/.