Public Health: Most Danger From American River College Tuberculosis Case Has Passed

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Public health officials are trying to calm fears after a student at American River College was diagnosed with active tuberculosis.

Concern spread on the campus as students heard about the case.

Sacramento Public Health says the student has been treated in isolation since his diagnosis around Nov. 1. The county identified about 150 students and staff who potentially came in contact with the student by sharing a classroom.

"If a person was not in close proximity with that person for an extended period of time, there's a very low risk," said public health spokeswoman Pamela Harris.

Doctors say the lung infection can be spread by coughing or sneezing. Everyone with potential exposure will be tested, and those who need a screening will be notified.

"The message is, don't panic," said college spokesman Scott Crow. "There's plenty of time to do the screenings, those students who were potentially exposed we're sending out emails and snail mail letters."

Most people infected with TB don't end up getting active tuberculosis, meaning they can't spread the germs to others.

There's no longer a risk to other students and staff of exposure at the school, public health official say.