UTRGV notifies students, staff of confirmed TB case in Cameron County

The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley on Thursday sent an email to students and staff informing them that Cameron County Public Health has confirmed a case of tuberculosis, or TB, “involving a member of the UTRGV campus community.”

“The individual is undergoing medical care and is isolated per the county’s disease prevention protocol,” the email stated.

UTRGV said that Cameron County Public Health is investigating the “contact tracing efforts” and said the university is “working closely with them to share information with anyone who may have been exposed to the infected individual.”

UTRGV did not provide anymore information about the person or what their role is at UTRGV, which has locations in Cameron County in Brownsville, Harlingen and on South Padre Island.

The university said it would continue to monitor the situation and keep students and staff updated.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through prolonged close contact, UTRGV said, citing Texas Health and Human Services.

“It is not spread through casual interactions such as walking past someone or brief encounters,” the email stated.

Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and fatigue, UTRGV said.

“If you develop symptoms or have general questions about TB, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider,” the email stated. “Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the health and safety of our campus community.”

Staff Writer Omar Zapata contributed to this report.

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