September 13, 2024
Case of tuberculosis on campus
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
Today, a K-State student in Manhattan informed the university of testing positive for tuberculosis. Currently, the student is undergoing medical treatment and is isolating per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. Not everyone infected with the most common TB-causing bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, becomes sick and shows symptoms. Only those with active TB disease can transmit the bacteria, which is spread through the air and generally only transmitted to people through prolonged close contact. Casual contact is usually insufficient to transmit the bacteria, and TB cannot be transmitted by contact with skin, clothes, toilets, or other surfaces that an infectious person may contact.
K-State is working closely with the Riley County Health Department to help identify any individuals with prolonged contact who should be tested out of precaution. The health department will contact any identified individuals who may need to be tested with instructions on next steps.
University community members are encouraged to visit the Lafene Health Center website to view a list of frequently asked questions about TB, which includes information about symptoms and testing. Additionally, more information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control's tuberculosis website.
Any student, faculty or staff member with health concerns may contact Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544 or reach out to their primary health care provider. TB testing is also available at the health department.
The health, safety and well-being of our community and campuses is a top priority for K-State. The university is working with local and state partners to develop educational opportunities about tuberculosis. More details on these opportunities will be shared as soon as they are available.