A housekeeper from DeMattias Hall has reportedly contracted tuberculosis, according to an announcement released by Student Health and Counseling on Thursday, Nov. 15. The University has recommended that residents and staff of DeMattias Hall be tested for the disease within the next two weeks.

Student Health and Counseling Director Deborah Scheff, R.N., M.A., said that there is “a very, very low risk of anybody being infected with this bacteria.”

According to Scheff, tuberculosis is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated respiratory droplets, often via coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include a persistent cough, night sweats and weight loss. The sputum of those afflicted with tuberculosis may contain blood. Scheff said that the disease is serious, but can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

Students and staff may receive a free tuberculosis test at the Student Health and Counseling Center, located on the first floor of Marchetti Towers East.

The initial test for tuberculosis involves inserting a needle bearing slightly beneath the skin. Patients must return to Student Health and Counseling 48 to 72 hours later after the test is administered to determine the results.

Because of the upcoming Thanksgiving Break, Student Health and Counseling recommends that patients receive the test today or after the holiday, so that the time between administering the test and determining the results does not exceed 72 hours.

A positive result only indicates exposure to the disease; a final diagnosis requires chest X-rays, bacterial cultures or the development of the specific symptoms of the disease.

Scheff said that she was uncertain where the housekeeper contracted the disease. According to the Student Health and Counseling’s announcement, the housekeeper “has been given medication and is expected to recover fully.”