Tuberculosis Case on Campus November 21, 2023

Dear University of Houston Community,

The Houston Health Department has informed the University of Houston and UH Student Health Center leadership that a University of Houston student is being treated for active tuberculosis (TB).

TB is a disease that spreads through the air by a person with active TB disease. The bacteria that cause TB are generally only transmitted to people who have prolonged close contact with someone with infectious tuberculosis. Casual contact is generally not sufficient for transmission of TB bacteria. At this time, no one else on this campus has developed symptoms of TB.

The University is working closely with the Houston Health Department to identify any student, faculty or staff member who should be tested for TB infection. The Houston Health Department determines who needs testing based on the type of exposure a student or employee has had to the sick individual. If you are identified as someone who needs to be tested, a separate letter will be sent to you with the date, time, and location for testing.

Houston Health Department officials will be on campus on Tuesday, November 28 from 11 a.m. – noon and Wednesday, November 29, noon – 1 p.m., in the Student Center South Space City Room, to give a presentation for students, faculty and staff about TB and to answer any questions you might have.

For a list of UH Health resources and answers to frequently asked questions about this case, visit this site. For more information about TB, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Texas Department of State Health Services.

Please be assured that we are taking this situation seriously — your health is of utmost importance.

Sincerely,

Jon Rusciano, MD Interim Executive Director | Chief Psychiatrist
Student Health Center & Campus Pharmacy
713-743-5151
Myhealth@uh.edu