This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The D.C. Department of Health is conducting contact tracing at American University after a student tested positive for tuberculosis.
In an email to students and staff Monday afternoon, the Office of Campus Life said an undergraduate student is “residing off campus to receive treatment [for TB].”
The residential student was last on campus on Thursday, according to the University’s TB frequently asked questions page.
“Please know that methods we have used to protect against COVID-19, in particular the high masking compliance that our community has shown, will also be helpful in protecting against tuberculosis exposure,” said Fanta Aw, vice president of campus life and inclusive excellence, in the email.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TB is an airborne disease that can spread through prolonged contact in the same airspace when the infected person releases the bacteria from their throat. It cannot spread through casual contacts like handshakes, or contact with surfaces, toilets, clothes, food or water.
The University will hold a webinar Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. to share more information and answer questions from the community.
