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The Sheaf has learned that a case of tuberculosis has been identified on campus. The Saskatoon Health Region has taken control of the situation.

One student has been removed from campus for treatment and the health region now has a list of that student’s classmates and professors and is working to contact them.

“Control of tuberculosis hinges on prevention, finding and providing supervised treatment of new cases, and educating the public,” reads the health region’s website.

Tuberculosis is a relatively common and dangerous disease that is transmitted through inhalation of bacteria coughed or sneezed by someone infected.

Only 10 per cent of those infected with the disease show symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, a severe cough and a loss of appetite.

If symptoms are left untreated, TB can be lethal up to 50 per cent of the time.

The Sheaf has reached out to university communications but as of this morning no one was available for comment.

Update 12:08 p.m.: The Sheaf has confirmed the student that has been identified to be infected is enrolled in Arts and Science classes.

Update 1:17 p.m.: The CBC is reporting that 600 students will have to be tested for TB. The tests will take place sometime next week.

For more information on tuberculosis outbreaks and treatment, visit the Saskatoon Health Region’s website.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons