MACHIAS, Maine — A reported case of tuberculosis at the University of Maine at Machias' campus is under investigation, the university said in a press release Tuesday night.
The Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is assisting in the investigation, notified university officials on Oct. 24 that one person had symptoms, but had left campus on Oct. 16.
Everyone identified as having had close contact with the symptomatic person has been notified, the university said. UMaine Machias is continuing to monitor the situation with the guidance of the Maine CDC.
Tuberculosis is a curable and preventable infection. While the possibility of an infected person spreading the illness is low, it can be spread when they speak, cough, or sing and others nearby breathe in the bacteria they emit.
"According to the Maine CDC, TB usually infects the lungs, but can affect the kidneys, spine and brain. Symptoms include chest pains and a bad cough that can last at least three weeks and produce blood or phlegm from deep inside the lungs, according to the CDC. Medication can successfully treat these symptoms," UMaine said.
"Not everyone with TB gets sick. People with tuberculosis who don’t experience symptoms cannot spread it to others. Individuals with latent TB infection don’t feel sick and aren’t contagious," according to UMaine. "Only a small proportion of people who become infected will experience the symptoms associated with this disease. Babies and children are at higher risk."
For more information on tuberculosis, the university encourages people to visit the Maine CDC's website.
Machias, in Down East Maine, has a population of about 2,000, according to 2020 census data. Approximately 760 students are enrolled at the UMaine Machias campus, according to the university's website.
