MANHATTAN —A Kansas State University student in Manhattan informed the university of testing positive for tuberculosis on Friday, according to a statement from the university.
The student was undergoing medical treatment and isolating per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. Not everyone infected with the most common TB-causing bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, becomes sick and shows symptoms. Only those with active TB disease can transmit the bacteria, which is spread through the air and generally only transmitted to people through prolonged close contact. Casual contact is usually insufficient to transmit the bacteria, and TB cannot be transmitted by contact with skin, clothes, toilets, or other surfaces that an infectious person may contact.
K-State is working closely with the Riley County Health Department to help identify any individuals with prolonged contact who should be tested out of precaution. The health department will contact any identified individuals who may need to be tested with instructions on next steps.
University community members were encouraged to visit the Lafene Health Center website to view a list of frequently asked questions about TB, which includes information about symptoms and testing. Additionally, more information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control's tuberculosis website.
Any student, faculty or staff member with health concerns may contact Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544 or reach out to their primary health care provider. TB testing is also available at the health department.