A MESSAGE TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
Texas A&M University-Kingsville has been notified by the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District there is a possibility some faculty, staff and/or students have come into contact with an individual on our campus with active tuberculosis.
What this means for students, staff and faculty:
Students, faculty and staff who may be concerned that they may have come in close contact with this individual are advised to be skin-tested for tuberculosis. University and Health District professionals are identifying those who have had contact with this individual.
If you do not receive notification to be evaluated, and you think there is a possibility that you were exposed and would like to be tested, please contact Life Services and Wellness-Health Care Clinic at 361-593-2904.
Skin tests will be conducted by University and Health District health professionals at the Health Care Clinic, located on Retama Street between Avenue B and Corral Avenue. The clinic will be open until 7 p.m. today, May 2, and during regular hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Thursday, next week. There is no charge for the test.
If you already have a positive TB skin test and you feel you were re-exposed, you will need a chest x-ray. Please consult with one of the Health District employees while they are on campus or contact them at the TB Clinic in Corpus Christi at 361-826-7248.
Protecting the privacy of our students, faculty and staff is a priority at the University. Therefore, all testing is confidential, and results and any treatment recommendations are also kept private. The privacy of Texas A&M-Kingsville students, faculty and staff and Health Care Clinic patients will always be protected.
Other places that can provide testing services are the Kingsville Clinic, 227 West Kleberg Ave., 361- 592-6451; Christus Spohn Hospital-Kleberg, 1311 General Cavazos Blvd., 361-595-1661; or your own primary care physician.
What students, faculty and staff should be aware of:
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria that are spread from person to person through the air. People with active TB are capable of spreading germs to others. Active TB usually affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. The general symptoms include:
Weakness or Fatigue
Weight Loss
Fever
Night Sweats
Persistent Coughing
Chest Pain
Coughing Up Blood
Shortness of Breath
Chills
Usually, more than one symptom is present if you have active TB.
What parents and other family members should be aware of:
We strongly encourage our students to talk with their parents or other close family members who are involved in decisions regarding their health care. You and your parents/family are in the best position to determine if testing is needed, if your medical history puts you at any heightened risk, or any other factors that play into your decision. The University also wants parents and family members to know that we will monitor this situation.
Where you can obtain more information:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides an excellent fact sheet on TB at www.cdc.gov/tb.
The Corpus Christi TB Clinic of the Texas Department of State Health can be reached at 361-826-7248.
The University has an e-mail address and phone number if you have general questions: health@tamuk.edu or 361-593-3606.
If you have specific health-related questions, contact your primary care physician or Life Services and Wellness at 361-593-3991.
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