Tuberculosis case confirmed at Elmhurst University, 2 others suspected; a school offering free tuberculosis tests throughout the week

ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) — Classes continued as normal at Elmhurst University on Monday, even though a student was diagnosed with tuberculosis late last week. Two more students have suspected cases that are still under investigation.

After confirming the information, the school immediately notified the DuPage County Health Department and notified the campus community that a potentially deadly bacteria had entered the school.

ABC7 Chicago now streams 24/7. Click here to watch

“Suspected cases test positive but still need to be evaluated by a health care provider to determine whether they have active or latent tuberculosis,” said Ashley Matese with the DuPage County Health Department.

Doctors say that TB is contagious only in active cases and most TB cases are latent. Tuberculosis, also known as the “white death”, can be fatal if left untreated. It is usually spread through a patient’s cough, which poses a potential risk to those nearby.

Since the first case was diagnosed, university officials have updated the campus community several times, saying in part: “We have contacted people who may have been in close contact with those affected and are providing them with free testing.”

Doctors say tuberculosis usually affects the lungs and its symptoms include a chronic cough.

“If they get tested, they can be diagnosed early enough to be treated before the disease gets to the point where the disease becomes active and they can pass the disease on to someone else,” said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky of Endeavor Edward Hospital.

Tuberculosis has killed nearly 2 million people, but has been considered rare since the 1950s, when doctors developed antibiotics. Health experts fear the virus will spread on college campuses, where students often gather in large gatherings for classes or other activities. Therefore, they are appealing to everyone who may have had contact with the student.

“I think there is a stigma about tuberculosis or people are really worried about it. But it can be cured,” Matese said.

Doctors say that tuberculosis has a long incubation period, which means it may take some time before a patient develops symptoms. The university offers free tests throughout the week.