Amarillo Public Health (APH) is working with West Texas A&M University after identifying an individual with tuberculosis (TB) disease who spent time on the WT campus.
APH has begun a contact investigation to identify individuals who may have had prolonged or repeated close contact with the person while they were infectious. APH will contact individuals identified as potentially exposed and provide information about TB testing and follow-up procedures.
There is no need for the entire university community to be tested for TB. TB is not spread as easily as illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19. It is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs coughs, speaks, or sings. Transmission generally requires prolonged or repeated exposure in a shared indoor space.
TB is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, touching surfaces, or casual contact such as briefly passing someone in a hallway or classroom.
“Amarillo Public Health is working closely with university officials to identify and notify anyone who may need testing,” said APH Director Casie Stoughton. “People who are identified as potentially exposed will receive specific instructions from Amarillo Public Health. Individuals who are not contacted generally do not need testing related to this exposure.”
TB infection can be detected through a blood test or skin test. Because it can take several weeks after exposure for a test to become positive, individuals will be asked to complete an initial test and repeat testing approximately 8–10 weeks after their last exposure.
A positive TB test does not necessarily mean a person has active TB disease or can spread TB. People with latent TB infection do not have symptoms and cannot spread TB. Treatment is available for both latent TB infection and active TB disease.
Symptoms of active TB disease may include a cough lasting three weeks or longer, coughing up blood or sputum, chest pain, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, fever, chills, and night sweats.
APH and WT will host a campus information forum on Wednesday (September 30) at 2:30 p.m. at the WTAMU Alumni Banquet Hall. The forum will provide students, faculty, and staff with information about TB, the contact investigation and testing process, and an opportunity to ask questions of APH and WT representatives.
APH will continue working closely with WT throughout the investigation and will provide additional information as needed.
Individuals who are contacted by APH should follow the testing instructions provided. Direct questions to APH at 806-378-6300 option 7 or tb@amarillo.gov.
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB most commonly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. TB is preventable and treatable. Identifying and treating TB infection is an important part of preventing future cases of active TB disease.
For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/tb/communication-resources/tuberculosis-fact-sheet.html