Tuberculosis case confirmed at CCU

A case of tuberculosis was identified on the Coastal Carolina University campus on Nov. 27.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.

In the email sent out to notify students, the Director of Health services, Caesar C. Ross III, told students they didn’t have too much to worry about.

“There is no immediate risk to the campus community,” he said in the email.

If you were near the individual that was found to have this, you will have received an email telling you to get tested for TB. Be sure you have checked your email in case you were in close contact with this person and need to be tested, so you can get proper treatment.

Officer Tommy Crosby, who works in the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control, gave some more insight on the situation.

“CCU Student Health Services is currently working in conjunction with S.C. DHEC to communicate with identified individuals who may have been in close contact with the infected person,” he said.

Many students are concerned about this situation.

Sophomore Aliyah Eason, early childhood education major, has concerns and would like answers.

“In the email sent out, they said it wasn’t that urgent, but it is urgent,” said Eason. “If they were notifying us, there was a risk. I would like an update, and to know what this means for us.”

There is some good news, however, for worried students.

“It is important to note that TB can be treated with antibiotics,” Crosby said.

Any more concerns or questions can be answered on the DHEC’s or CDC’s websites.

The Chanticleer will continue to monitor the situation and be in touch with DHEC and university officials. More updates to come.