AMERICAN LANGUAGE INSTITUTE STUDENT HAS INFECTIOUS TB

Individuals Who Were in Extended Close Contact with Student are Being Notified

Contact:
Leslie Ridgeway
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency
Tel: (619) 685-2239

Gina Speciale
SDSU Marketing & Communications
Tel: (619) 594-4563 office, (619) 813-3581 cell
speciale@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO (Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006) - San Diego State University (SDSU) and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) are taking steps to notify classmates, faculty and staff of a 26-year-old international student who has been diagnosed with infectious TB.

The student, enrolled in English classes at the American Language Institute, part of SDSU’s College of Extended Studies, was diagnosed with infectious TB, said Nancy Bowen, M.D., San Diego County Public Health Officer.

The student, who attended the Institute from July 18 to Aug. 11, and Aug. 23 to Sept. 20, is expected to make a full recovery. County Health officials believe the student, who lived in University Towers student residential housing from July 16 to mid-August, and then lived in San Diego with a host family, contracted TB overseas. The student is now receiving treatment and assistance from HHSA.

“We are working with SDSU officials, who are notifying students and others who may have been in close contact with the student,” Bowen said.

SDSU representatives have been extremely helpful and are working collaboratively with HHSA in this effort.

Students, faculty, staff and parents with questions about potential exposure and how to receive a TB screening are encouraged to call SDSU Student Health Services at (619) 594-5281.

Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease.

Individuals with no medical provider, or anyone who would like more information, may call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621. 

###