Tuberculosis discovered in Ole Miss student

OXFORD, MS (WMC) - Mississippi State Department of Health is investigating a case of tuberculosis at Ole Miss.

The health department confirmed a student at the Oxford campus was found with a case of active tuberculosis.

The health department notified Ole Miss immediately, which in turn sent out an email to all students.

Health department and school officials said 500 students may have had prolonged exposure to the student with tuberculosis. Those students are being contacted and asked to undergo some tests to make sure they did not get infected.

"The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is a top priority for the University of Mississippi. We will continue to work closely with the Mississippi State Department of Health and appreciate and trust their guidance and assistance to ensure the public health of our community," Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Brandi Hephner LaBanc said.

The student who tested positive for tuberculosis is being treated and is no longer on campus.

Student McKenzie Hall said students are talking.

"It was a little scary," Hall said. "I think everyone immediately googled what it was."

Sade Michaud is familiar with TB.

"It's a little frightening because I am familiar with TB because my dad actually worked for the Florida State Hospital that handled Tuberculosis," Michaud said.

The Mississippi Department of Health said there is no reason for anyone to panic, adding TB is not uncommon.

"I'm not particularly alarmed," student Em Gill said. "I don't even know if it's a cause for alarm."

They also said there may be a need for a second round of testing, but that has not yet been determined.

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