A Parks College student diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis is presently hospitalized and is expected to fully recover.

Saint Louis University was notified about the student’s condition by the St. Louis Department of Public Health.

According to Debbie Scheff, director of Student Health and Counseling Services, the student was diagnosed at the beginning of the month, around Oct. 4.

Scheff said that symptoms of tuberculosis include rapid weight loss, night sweats, productive coughs and sometimes blood in saliva.

Students who have not been formally contacted or notified by SLU or the St. Louis Department of Public Health are not among those who may have had sufficient contact with the individual to warrant testing.

Those considered to have had sufficient contact with the student, due to common classes, have already been notified of the need to undergo a tuberculin skin test. The student does not live in a University residence hall.

“Tuberculosis is a communicable disease,” Scheff said.

A communicable disease can be transmitted from one person to another through respiratory systems, such as by coughing and sneezing.

“Anybody that has a concern, or if you’re worried, certainly call [the Health Center] and we’ll be glad to give a TB skin test,” Scheff said.

After the initial test, a follow-up test will be conducted 12 weeks later.

Anyone with questions or who wants testing can contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at (314) 977- 2323.

The center is located on the ground floor of Marchetti Tower East. It will be open until 10 p.m. tonight, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 13.