Cal Poly Pomona students warned about possible tuberculosis case

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Students at Cal Poly Pomona are being notified about possible exposure to tuberculosis after a student might have become infected with the disease, school officials said.

Public health officials advised the university that a student ‘might have become infected with tuberculosis,’ Cal Poly Pomona said in a statement Thursday.

University officials are notifying about 400 students, faculty and staff who might have had ‘repeated contact’ with the student and have offered free testing to any students concerned about exposure.

‘While it has not been confirmed that the student has an active case, the university recommends that those who have had close contact with the student get a TB skin test,’ the statement said.

The student, whose name has not been released because of privacy concerns, did not live on campus, the university said. He took classes in physics, engineering, computer science, and ethnic and women’s studies during the fall and winter quarters.

The student has withdrawn from classes for treatment and ‘his prognosis is good at this time,’ the university said.

Tuberculosis is easily transmitted by inhaling droplets from infected patients when they sneeze, cough or laugh. When left untreated, the disease can be deadly.

Public health officials are also investigating a persistent strain of the disease on downtown L.A.’s skid row. Officials believe the strain — which has killed 11 people since 2007 — is unique to Los Angeles, with only a few isolated cases reported elsewhere.

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— Kate Mather

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