BALTIMORE (WJZ)– Health scare at a local college. The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) is warning its students and staff of possible tuberculosis on campus.

Kai Jackson explains why the university is taking this contagious infection so seriously.

The university has notified the campus to make everyone aware of this potential case of tuberculosis.

The notice that UMBC sent out was vague. It says a member of their college community has been identified as potentially having tuberculosis.

Sam McKelvey, a junior, says he received an email about it.

“It was about a possible outburst of TB on the campus,” he said.

But the notice doesn’t state whether the person who is potentially infected is a student or faculty member. Nor does it specify when the potential case was discovered.

The university says it is working to notify people who may have come in contact with the potentially infected person so they can be tested themselves.

Jackson: “What do you know about tuberculosis, Christine?”
Christine Johnson, Catonsville: “I know it’s contagious, so that’s a big concern.”

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection mostly found in the lungs. It is transmitted through the air and can be contagious. Doctors say if a case worsens and is left untreated, it can be fatal.

“These days, tuberculosis is treated with antibiotics and anti-tubercular agents. And it can be handled quite easily. So if you get tuberculosis, it’s treated appropriately and you should do fine,” Dr. Marc Leavey of Mercy Medical Center said.

The symptoms of tuberculosis include coughing, coughing up blood, chest pain, fever, weight loss and night sweats.

UMBC is coordinating its efforts with the Baltimore County Health Department.