Cottey College student tests positive for tuberculosis

Nevada Daily Mail

A Cottey College student has tested positive for tuberculosis, according to college officials and the Vernon County Health Department.

Screening of students, faculty and staff who may have been exposed will be provided.

The student is no longer on campus and is receiving treatment as required by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Any actions taken will respect the confidentiality of the individual as well as the individual's welfare and that of the campus community.

Modern treatment of tuberculosis is an effective and relatively simple combination of antibiotic drugs taken continuously for several months. Once it is determined by public health professionals that the patient is adhering to treatment and no longer contagious, the student will be allowed to return to class.

The college and the Vernon County Health Department are conducting a contact investigation to determine who may have come into close contact with the student. After this investigation, the office of student life, in conjunction with the health department, will contact anyone who may need to be treated. The college anticipates contacting those persons by e-mail today, to arrange for screening, which is to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The college also is distributing information about the disease and its prevention to the entire student body, faculty and staff. Information will be posted on the college's Web site and in campus buildings.

General information about tuberculosis is available on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Web site at www.dhss.mo.gov/Tuberculosis and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site, www.cdc.hchstp/tb/faqs/q1a.htm.

Inquiries about local public health concerns or activities should be directed to the Vernon County Health Department at (417) 667-9891.