Investigation Underway for Positive TB Case at Gardner-Webb University

– Student tests positive for TB
– Student diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Cleveland County Health Department is currently conducting an investigation into a case of tuberculosis that has been identified in an individual at Gardner-Webb University. This news was brought to the attention of the local health authorities on Wednesday, prompting the necessary legal procedures for an in-depth investigation to be carried out. The health department is adhering to the strict protocols outlined by the North Carolina TB Control Program in order to effectively manage and contain the situation.

In a recent press release, the health department reassured the community that while it is important to be informed about the presence of tuberculosis, the number of individuals who may have been exposed is relatively small. As such, there is no immediate risk of any health problems for the wider population. Tuberculosis is a disease that typically manifests over a period of weeks to months and can be effectively treated with the appropriate medications.

Local public health officials have been collaborating closely with the faculty and staff at Gardner-Webb University to identify individuals who may have had close and prolonged contact with the affected individual. Those who are deemed to be at risk of exposure will be contacted directly via phone, text, or email and advised on the necessity of undergoing testing. It is important to note that the vast majority of employees and students at the university will not require any testing or treatment for tuberculosis.

Individuals who are contacted directly by university staff and identified as potential contacts will be required to undergo testing for tuberculosis. Gardner-Webb University is working in conjunction with the Cleveland County Health Department to facilitate on-campus testing for these individuals at no cost. Barry Lane, the Director of Environmental and Occupational Safety at the university, has expressed confidence in the thorough contact investigations conducted thus far and has assured that there is no need for widespread testing among the university population.

Tuberculosis is transmitted when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing germs into the air. If these germs are inhaled by nearby individuals, they may become infected. Symptoms of tuberculosis include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, shortness of breath, chest pain, and excessive fatigue. However, it is important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions besides tuberculosis.

DeShay Oliver, the deputy health director at the Cleveland County Health Department, has emphasised the importance of early detection and proper treatment with medication in effectively managing tuberculosis. A positive TB test result does not necessarily indicate that an individual is sick with tuberculosis or that they will develop the disease. Individuals with a positive TB skin test will be referred to the Cleveland County Health Department for further evaluation and follow-up.

For more information on tuberculosis, individuals are encouraged to visit cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm. If there are any questions or concerns, the Cleveland County Health Department can be contacted at 980-484-5100..

– student tests positive for tuberculosis
– student tests positive tuberculosis symptoms.