After contacting an infectious disease specialist in Moncton, Public Health has informed UNB it is unlikely the tuberculosis case on campus was ever contagious.
Public Health will continue with their investigation as a precautionary measure.
The student, diagnosed early last week, has been responding well to treatment according to St Thomas’ communication director, Jeffrey Carleton.
“It looks like it was a circumstance where there was a diagnosis, earlier in the week the risk seemed to be low, and now it seems unlikely that the student was ever contagious,” said Carleton.
Not much information has been released on the diagnosed student, except that they are a member of the UNB residence community. UNB’s Student Services staff is working with Public Health to compile a list of people who may have been in contact with the student.
TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that most often affect the lungs. TB can be fatal, but it is a curable disease. Symptoms of TB include coughing, fevers, night sweats and weight loss.
TB can only be transferred by prolonged contact with an infectious person.
St. Thomas has kept their students informed with updates as they get them through emails to students.
“It’s better in these circumstances to share as much info as you have as you become aware on the situation,” said Carleton.
