Community Corner

Tuberculosis Reported at USF

A student is recovering in isolation, according to USF.

A student at the is recovering from a presumed case of tuberculosis (TB), according to a press release issued by the department.

The case was reported earlier this week, the release states.

As a precautionary measure, the student has undergone TB drug therapy, is recovering in isolation and no longer poses a health risk to others, according to the release. Approximately 150 people who could have been at risk of exposure will begin testing for the disease next week.

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“An investigation of the student’s household and other close contacts is ongoing,” said Jylmarie Lewis, Hillsborough County Health Department Tuberculosis Center manager in the release. “We are working closely with USF to ensure the health and safety of all students and employees, as well as members of the affected student's community.”

TB is a disease that usually infects the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body, causing serious illness, the release states. It is spread when an infected person coughs, talks, sings, or sneezes untreated TB germs into the air. Those who breathe in the germs can become infected.

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Students and employees of USF who have questions can call the Student Health Services nurse line at 813-974-1797.

All others can call the Hillsborough County Health Department at 813-307-8047.


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