A Syracuse University student is being treated for tuberculosis and the university is set to reach out to other students who had prolonged contact with the student, according to a Tuesday news release from the university.
Though most who come in contact with tuberculosis never contract it, it is common to screen those who have come in contact with it, the university said. The student affected does not live on campus, according to the release.
Tuberculosis can be spread through the air and prolonged contact, the university said.
TB is almost always curable with medications.
The university clarified that TB is not spread by, “shaking someone’s hand; sharing food or drink; touching bed linens or toilet seats; sharing toothbrushes; or kissing,” but can be spread through prolonged contact with someone who actively has the disease.
Symptoms include:
- excessive coughing that lasts three weeks or longer
- significant chest pain and coughing up blood and phlegm
- extreme fatigue, weakness, no appetite, chills, fever or night sweats.
The Office of Health Services and the Onondaga County Health Department are assisting the student who is being treated for tuberculosis, the release said.
The university recommended that students who have questions or concerns contact the Office of Health Services at 315.443.9005. The university also recommended that faculty and staff contact their primary care physicians.