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Tuberculosis is spread through the air.
NIAIDINDIANAPOLIS -- A student at IUPUI has tested positive for tuberculosis.
The bacteria is spread through the air and usually attacks the lungs.
The Marion County Health Department has identified nearly 400 students and faculty who they recommend be tested after coming into contact with the infected student.
The university sent a letter to that group and offered free TB tests during two on-campus clinics earlier this week. They can also receive free testing at the campus health center or Marion County Public Health Department’s district health offices.
Eva Muloma is the Medical Director of the Marion County Health Department’s TB Program. She says the tests are a precaution and there’s no reason for alarm.
“Prolonged exposure is the key to be concerned,” she says. “You won’t get it by touching door knobs, sharing a plate, a toilet seat. You have to inhale the organism”.
Muloma says they typically do a retest for TB eight to twelve weeks after an initial test because it could take weeks for the immune system to be affected.
The health department’s TB Monitoring Program will continue monitoring the situation.
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