Alabama State University News October 9, 2013 ASU, Department of Public Health Working Together Alabama State University and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) are working closely together regarding a case of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) that was identified in an ASU student enrolled on the University's campus. ADPH officials were contacted by ASU and are investigating the case. Both parties are working closely together to ensure that ASU students and employees will be screened quickly. ASU officials are communicating regularly with both state and local health department officials to keep everyone updated on this ongoing process. Dr. Mary McIntyre, assistant state health officer for Disease Control & Prevention, stated: "We are working very closely with the University to develop and implement a screening plan. As with any identified case of tuberculosis in Alabama, ADPH will implement precautionary testing, investigation and control measures." Today, ADPH and ASU officials began identifying students enrolled in classes, as well as faculty and staff who might have been in close contact with the student. According to the ADPH, "close contact" is defined generally as spending an extended amount of time with the subject in a physically close environment. ASU has sent an email to the approximately 600 students, staff and faculty who have been identified as contacts to inform them on how and where they may be tested and to answer any of their questions. Public Meeting to be Held Today on ASU's Campus Also, a meeting will be held at 6 p.m. today at ASU's John L. Buskey Health Sciences Building auditorium to answer any questions from those who may have come in contact with the student and to answer any questions from the general public, which will include ADPH and ASU officials being present to answer those questions. The ADPH wants everyone to know that tuberculosis is a treatable and preventable disease. ASU officials said that anyone who is either a student or an ASU employee who has any questions about this may contact ASU's Health Services manager, Gwendolyn Mann, at 229-4438 or 229-4570. Any members of the general public who have questions may contact the ADPH at 334-206-5300. Persons who were in close contact with the ill student will be rapidly assessed and appropriate preventative measures will be taken, stated ASU and ADPH officials. The ADPH recommends that only those who were in close contact with the student need to be tested. ASU officials have a required policy that ALL ASU students must present documentation prior to admission indicating a negative test for TB, which this student presented to University officials before the 2013 fall semester. For additional information from the news media, contact Pam Fortner, director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Division, at 334-467-8208 or 334-206-6228. She will be present tonight at the 6 p.m. meeting. The ASU news media contact is Kenneth Mullinax, director of Media Relations, at 334-229-4104. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.