Results of TB testing released

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Herald-Tribune

Nevada, Mo. -- The results of tuberculosis testing at Cottey College following the news that one student had been diagnosed with the disease earlier this month have reveled little evidence of transmission at this time. Ninety-four members of the campus community were tested. Jeanne Baldwin, R.N., with the Vernon County Health Department said, "I was appreciative of the cooperation of everyone involved and the smoothness of the whole process, which showed concern for the Cottey community and the local community."

Diana Fortune, tuberculosis program nurse with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, praised the efforts of Cottey College in testing those on the contact list. "We were able to get 100 percent of the contacts tested in that first week," Fortune said. The college followed Centers for Disease Control guidelines for conducting tuberculosis case contact investigation.

A second test is needed at the end of eight weeks to determine if anyone has been infected with tuberculosis bacteria following exposure to an active case. Dr. Mari Anne Phillips, dean of student life, said, "We will do follow-up testing at the end of April. Members of the area medical community were vital partners in providing essential services, information and support as we worked to ensure the health and well-being of our students and employees and members of the area community.

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