What you need to know about Tuberculosis at SU

Tuberculosis is considered one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide by the CDC, and Maryland has seen a combined 373 cases since 2013.

Dr. Victor Gong of 75th Street Medical Center commented on the numbers, he said, “We’re seeing more cases now than we did like 20 to 30 years ago.” And “It does pop up throughout the country but it’s nothing to be alarmed about either.”

Because of different medical systems around the globe, testing and proper treatment varies from county to country, making every international visitor to the states a potential risk especially in high volume areas such as colleges and vacation spots.

Dr. Gong says, “People’s immunities are down, people who have low immunity status can get it. Usually these types of cases occur with people in confined spaces like barracks, in schools.” And “More immigrant populations, areas, they will have more cases of TB as well.”

TB is spread when someone with the active disease releases bacteria from the mouth, through either coughing, sneezing, or simply talking.

When others breathe in that bacteria they receive a latent TB infection which would prompt further testing.

“You could be exposed to someone and not get the disease. So what they do is they do a skin test and if the test is positive, and you have no signs of any disease, then you’ll have a latent infection, you’re not contagious.” Says Dr. Gong.

Locally, Salisbury University has confirmed a 3rd case of TB this school year.

The Wicomico County Health Department says that the student is under medical care and is no long attending classes.

We’re told they are now reaching out to those who may have made close contact with the student.

If anyone in the Salisbury University community who wishes to be tested is asked to call SU Student Health services at 410-543-6262.