Riverside Community College Student Comes Down with TB

By City News Service

A Riverside Community College student was recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis, and health officials said that those who may have come into contact with the patient are being advised to get a TB test.

The student, whose identity was not released, is undergoing treatment and expected to make a complete recovery, according to campus officials.

The Riverside County Department of Public Health and RCC were coordinating efforts to identify and notify those who may have been in the student’s presence.

“While the risk of infection is low, it is important that those who are notified take the time to get tested,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county’s public health officer. “It will provide peace of mind for those who are concerned about being exposed or begin the next step in the evaluation process.”

TB screening begins with a quick skin test. If that turns up positive, the patient is given a chest X-ray to confirm infection.

So far this year, there have been 25 confirmed TB cases countywide, according to the Department of Public Health. Last year, there were a total of 65 cases.

Tuberculosis is spread through coughing, sneezing, singing or speaking. People cannot be infected through hand-shaking, kissing or handling bedding and toilet seats, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials noted that some people can be infected with TB without manifesting symptoms, which include fever, coughing, night sweats and chest pain. Those with inactive TB are generally not infectious.