Updated: May 5, 2008 05:18 PM PDT

Tuberculosis Scare At Texas A&M University-Kingsville

KINGSVILLE-Officials with Texas A&M University-Kingsville told KRIS 6 News a man on campus has been diagnosed with the airborne disease, tuberculosis. Now, testing is going on to make sure no one else is infected.

The university has brought in a handful of extra health workers from the Nueces County Health District to help with testing that started on Friday. All testing is free and is completely voluntary at this time.

The university found out a man on campus had the disease on Thursday, but officials would not say if it was a student, staff, or faculty member. He has since been hospitalized with the disease, which is caused by germs spread through the air, affecting the lungs, brain, and kidneys.

Some 300 people were identified on Friday as being in close contact with the man and the health clinic has been open since then to test those folks. Also, campus-wide e-mails were sent out to let everyone know about testing going on through this week, if they are concerned as well.

Health Center hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., but the clinic may be open later, depending on how many people need to get in.

6 News learned the results come back in up to three days and that business is going on as usual right now around campus. But, there are a lot of people around, because it is getting close to finals, and everybody is spending more time on campus to get last minute projects and studying done.

No facilities have been shut down because of the scare as yet.

Online Reporter: Melissa Monti

http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8274886