Tuberculosis update

Last month two University of Victoria students were diagnosed with active tuberculosis, prompting the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) to notify about 320 UVic students and staff to attend skin test clinics on campus as a precautionary measure.

The two students, who are receiving medical care for this highly treatable disease, are no longer attending classes, did not live in student residences and had a close family connection.

VIHA Medical Health Officer Dr. Murray Fyfe said that the second diagnosis, announced two weeks after the initial one, did not indicate an increase in risk to those at the university. “It is clear, in this situation, that the second person became infected through very close contact with the first case outside of the university setting,” said Fyfe.

The students and staff that VIHA recommended to attend the clinics shared classroom and work space with the students. Three separate clinics were held along with follow-up clinics where nurses checked for any short-term reaction to the skin tests. Test results will be confirmed following a second round of testing that will take place in April.

“Testing is a prudent precaution for people possibly exposed through ongoing, closed-room contact with the student,” said Fyfe. “Casual contact in public areas such as a library or cafeteria does not constitute a significant exposure such that testing is required.

“A TB skin test takes eight to 12 weeks to go from negative to positive in those who have become infected. The risk of active disease in those who become infected is very small and is reduced substantially with completion of a course of preventive treatment which is available to all who become infected.”

Some signs of TB may include prolonged cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever or night sweats.

For further information, visit the VIHA website www.viha.ca.