UPDATE: VCU students nervous after tuberculosis scare
RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Virginia Commonwealth University is warning some students that they may have been exposed to tuberculosis. A VCU alert stated that the university would notify 300 students possibly exposed to tuberculosis "out of an abundance of caution."
Investigators said one student who attended four classes this year showed symptoms of TB.
"TB is a bacteria and it is passed around from people to people by people coughing or sneezing if they're sick," VCU Director of Student Health Dr. Margaret Roberson said. "It is not spread by casual contact like sharing water bottles or drinking glasses."
The Virginia Department of Health TB Control and Prevention Program said the extent of exposure was "insignificant," the university said. Nonetheless, VCU Student Health will offer free screenings.
Additionally, VCU's director of Student Health and the Richmond City Health District director will visit four classes to inform the students and faculty. An email will also be sent to all impacted students and teachers. [Click here for more information about tuberculosis.]
VCU students with questions should call Student Health at 804-828-8828. Faculty and staff can call Employee Health at 804-828-0584.
