Auburn University student tests positive for tuberculosis

AUBURN, AL (WSFA) - Alabama state health officials will conduct a tuberculosis screening at Auburn University after confirming a student on campus tested positive for the disease.

The Alabama Department of Public Health is working with the university and local health officials to try and identify students, as well as staff and faculty who may have been in "close contact" with the student.

"We are working very closely with the university to develop and implement a screening plan. As with any identified case of TB in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures," said CDC Medical Officer Dr. Burnestine Taylor.

The ADPH said a screening will be held next Thursday, May 17.

The ADPH defines "close contact" as "spending an extended amount of time with the subject in a physically close environment."

TB 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.

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