On Sept. 22, ACU was notified that a case of tuberculosis (TB), a treatable infectious disease, had been identified among the campus community. Fortunately, the risk to the general campus population is low. Only one case has been identified, and the individual who tested positive for the disease is now isolating at home. The university is working closely with the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, and ACU’s Medical and Counseling Care Center will directly notify students, faculty and staff who have been identified as close contacts.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are released into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. People in close proximity may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

However, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. People who are infected but not sick have what is called latent TB infection. Those with latent TB infection typically do not experience any symptoms and cannot spread the disease to others. But without treatment, some people with latent TB infection may progress to active TB disease.

The good news is that TB disease can be treated with appropriate medical care.

For more information, visit the CDC Tuberculosis website.

What is ACU doing in response to the case of TB on campus?

ACU is working closely with the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District and following infectious disease protocols to identify any campus community member who may be at risk for TB infection.

• Privacy: Due to health and education privacy laws, we cannot reveal the identity of the individual who tested positive for active TB disease.
• Contact Tracing: Public health officials will work with ACU to identify and notify any close contacts who may need to be screened.
• Testing: Once identified, individuals may receive TB skin tests through ACU’s Medical and Counseling Care Center.

Can a person have TB without feeling sick?

Yes. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. Two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection and active TB disease.

People with latent TB infection cannot spread TB bacteria to others, have no symptoms and do not feel sick. They will usually have a positive TB skin test reaction or positive TB blood test and may develop TB disease if they do not receive treatment for latent TB infection.

When TB bacteria are active, this is called active TB disease. People with active TB disease may spread TB bacteria to others, usually feel sick and need medication to treat the disease.

I think I was exposed to tuberculosis. What should I do?

The risk to the general campus population is low.

• If you are identified as a close contact – someone who has spent prolonged time in the same enclosed space with a person who is infected – an ACU representative will contact you directly.
• If you want to be tested independently, contact your medical provider, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, or the ACU Medical and Counseling Care Center.
• If you have symptoms (cough lasting longer than three weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss), call your health care provider or the ACU MACCC before visiting, so staff can take precautions to protect others.

For questions about TB exposure, contact the Abilene Taylor County Public Health District TB Program at 325-692-5600.

If I need to be screened or tested, how will I be notified?

Public health officials will work with ACU to determine which persons are considered close contacts and need testing. Testing is available at no charge. 

An ACU representative will contact individuals by:

• Phone call
• ACU email
• U.S. mail (if necessary)

Notification will include specific instructions for screening and follow-up.

Do exposed persons need to quarantine?

No. Latent TB infection (without symptoms) cannot be spread to others, so isolation is not required.

Only individuals with active pulmonary TB disease are infectious. They will be placed under medical care and isolation until cleared by the local health department. 

If directed by the local health department, exposed individuals may continue attending classes and following their normal work schedule unless they develop symptoms.

What if I cannot attend the scheduled campus testing window?

Students who cannot attend on-campus screening sessions will be provided with instructions from the local health department or the ACU Medical and Counseling Care Center about where and how to get tested. Please contact the ACU MACCC at 325-674-2625 or the health district at 325-692-5600 for guidance.

Key Reminder: If you are not contacted by the local health department or by the ACU MACCC, you do not need to be tested at this time.