Public health officials investigating possible cases of tuberculosis at UNCC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County Public Health officials are investigating two potential cases of tuberculosis at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The UNCC Student Health Center and MCPH are working to identify students who may have been exposed to TB and have contacted those who may be at risk of exposure.

“It’s a little weird because you don’t hear about cases like this a whole lot," said UNCC student Macie Harris.

Officials said the risk to the public and campus population is low.

The two affected students are living off-campus and are receiving treatment in isolation at their homes. Officials said they don’t believe the two cases are related.

“It is kind of scary,” said UNCC student Tiara Hamilton.

“We are working with the NC Division of Public Health and partnering with UNC Charlotte to ensure appropriate management of this situation, to identify anyone who may have been exposed and to prevent further potential exposures in the community,” said Gibbie Harris, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “Tuberculosis is a treatable infection. We will ensure that all positive screenings are treated as needed to avoid future exposures.”

TB is a bacterial disease. According to officials, symptoms include cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Public health information meetings will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the McKnight Hall in the Cone Student Center and Friday at 9 a.m. at the Lucas Room in the Cone Student Center.

“I was checking my email and happened to see it,” said Harris.

The University of North Carolina Charlotte said in a statement:

“The safety of our campus community is of utmost importance. The University is working closely with Mecklenburg County Health Department to follow the appropriate protocols established in this situation. While our local public health officials believe the risk to the University is low, we are proactively communicating with our campus community and taking additional precautions to ensure the health of our students, faculty and staff.”

The University said students or staff who may have been in contact with those possibly infected will get an email with the subject “Action Required."

Click here for more information about tuberculosis.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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