CU Student tests positive for TB

Clemson University has begun testing some of its students and faculty after discovering tuberculosis on campus. School officials sent out a statement Tuesday saying that one of its students has been diagnosed with the disease. The university said that 35 students, faculty and staff members are also being tested after coming into “close contact” with the student, who was not identified. Many of those being tested shared a classroom with the unidentified student during the spring semester. The student who has the disease is no longer on campus. Tuberculosis, or TB, is a highly-contagious disease caused by bacteria that can attack the lungs. It spreads through the air. A positive screening test does not mean someone has the disease; only that they have been exposed to the bacteria at some point in their lives, according to DHEC.  Most people never get the disease and are not contagious.