1st Elmhurst University TB Case Oct. 17: County

ELMHURST, IL – DuPage County became aware of the first tuberculosis case at Elmhurst University on Oct. 17, an official said late Friday.

The university notified students and employees about the situation Thursday evening. That was after a second case was reported and a few hours after Patch asked about it.

As of Monday morning, the DuPage County Health Department said it was aware of two suspected cases of tuberculosis and one active case.

"The two suspect cases are not confirmed cases and are being evaluated by healthcare professionals," department spokeswoman Cailyn Eckelberry said in an email to Patch on Monday.

After being notified of the first case, the DuPage County Health Department said it immediately launched a case investigation and testing of close contacts with the school's cooperation.

"A second case was identified this week as a result of the initial testing," Eckelberry said in an email late Friday. "In partnership with the university, DCHD will continue to offer additional testing for individuals who may have been exposed."

She said her agency follows up with each person who tests positive to determine if that person has latent or active TB and ensures the person gets the appropriate treatment.

On Friday evening, Troy VanAken, the university's president, issued a second statement about the TB cases.

"The health department has emphasized that casual contact is generally not sufficient for transmission of TB bacteria – it is transmitted through prolonged, close contact with someone who has infectious tuberculosis," VanAken said.

The county health department, he said, was making free TB testing available to those who are identified as potentially close contacts.

More information about the disease is available on the state Department of Public Health's website.