Health department is testing nearly 400 at IUPUI for TB
The Marion County Public Health Department has recommended about 400 Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolisstudents, faculty and staff be tested for tuberculosis after they had close contact with a student recently diagnosed with an active case of the disease.
After the initial case was diagnosed, IUPUI representatives and health officials sent out letters to about 390 people who had been in close contact with the student and were most at-risk, said health department spokesman Curt Brantingham in an email.
The Marion County Public Health Department hosted two clinics on campus this week for those who wanted free testing. Free testing also is available at health department clinics and the student health center.
So far, the clinics have confirmed no other cases of active tuberculosis, Brantingham said.
Tuberculosis screening consists of a so-called skin test. A small amount of fluid is injected into the skin, and the person returns 48 to 72 hours later to have a health care worker check for a reaction. If a reaction occurs, other tests are performed to see if the person has active tuberculosis.
Symptoms of tuberculosis, which can be spread through the air, include fever, night sweats, weakness, coughing, chest pain and coughing up blood. Left untreated, it can be fatal.
Treatment involves taking several drugs for six to 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Last spring the Marion County Public Health Department tested a number of Southport High School students and staff for tuberculosis after a student there developed the disease.
Call IndyStar reporter Shari Rudavsky at (317) 444-6354. Follow her on Twitter: @srudavsky.
Some Southport High School students, staff exposed to tuberculosis