Tuberculosis FAQs
The University is monitoring the potential cases of tuberculosis (TB) within the campus community. Please review the FAQs below for more information.
What is tuberculosis (TB)?
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 put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. People nearby 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.” People who have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms and cannot spread TB to others. But some people with latent TB infection can progress to active TB disease.
People with TB disease can be treated if they seek medical help. The disease is curable with appropriate treatment.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control.
How many members of the UNC Charlotte community are potentially infected with TB?
Currently, there are two individuals, both of whom reside off campus, being investigated for tuberculosis. These individuals are isolated and receiving medical care.
Can the University share the identities of the individuals with TB?
Because of health and educational privacy laws, the University cannot share identifying information about the individuals. However, in partnership with Mecklenburg County Health Department, the University has notified all individuals requiring testing, and the testing is ongoing at the Student Health Center and the Mecklenburg County Health Department.
What is UNC Charlotte doing in response to the potential cases of TB on campus?
UNC Charlotte has established protocols to respond to infectious diseases, including TB. We worked closely with Mecklenburg County Health Department to identify any student, faculty or staff member who should be tested for TB infection and provide guidance to the UNC Charlotte community. All individuals currently requiring testing have been notified, and the testing is ongoing at the Student Health Center and the Mecklenburg County Health Department.
Can I have TB and not be sick or infectious?
Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. There are two TB-related conditions that exist: latent TB infection and 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 TB Disease. People with TB Disease may spread TB bacteria to others, usually feel sick and need treatment to treat the disease.
If I need to be tested, how will I be notified?
All individuals currently requiring testing have been notified. Affected individuals were notified by the University’s Student Health Center on Feb. 19 if they need to be tested for TB. The email contained the following information:
- From: Student Health Center
- Subject line: ACTION REQUIRED: Review important health information
If I am contacted to be tested, will it cost me anything?
No, there will be no cost if you are contacted for testing. Individuals who are contacted for testing should bring Mecklenburg County Health Department’s notification.
I have not been contacted by the University to get a TB test but would like one anyway. What should I do?
It is important to remember the risk to the general campus population is low. (We encourage you to watch the video from the information session with Mecklenburg County Health Officials.) Anyone who is believed to need testing at this time has been contacted. If, however, you would like to independently be tested for TB, you should contact your medical provider or local health department. The cost of this testing is not covered by the University.
If I have to be tested, should I keep attending or teaching classes while I await my test results?
You should continue to attend classes and follow your regular work schedule unless you become symptomatic.
Who will contact me about the results of my TB test?
Mecklenburg County Health Department officials will contact individuals about their test results.
Why is everyone not being tested?
Mecklenburg County Health Department has established protocols and best practices in place for disease contact tracing to establish who may be at risk for contracting TB. Casual contact does not typically expose someone to TB. It is usually only prolonged, close contact with someone with TB that places someone at risk.
What are the symptoms of TB?
Visit the Centers for Disease Control website for information about the symptoms of TB.
What do I do if I think I have been exposed to tuberbulosis?
If you believe you may have come in contact with an infected person, please seek medical care as soon as possible and contact the University’s Student Health Center at 704-687-7400. This includes faculty and staff.
What preventative hygiene actions should I take at this time?
We recommend you practice good hygiene — wash your hands, sneeze and cough into your sleeve or tissue (not hand), and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. This also helps prevent the spread of other diseases.