Bethel University confirms students being tested for tuberculosis
MCKENZIE, Tenn. — Bethel University is urging some of its students to get tested for tuberculosis after a former student tested positive for the highly contagious disease. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria that attacks the lungs.
Bethel President Walter Butler said the tests are out of an abundance of caution. The student reportedly does not currently even live in Tennessee.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health there are no confirmed cases of TB on campus.
Both the state health department and school administration said they are confident the university is clear of TB.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are offering the blood test to any individuals at Bethel,” said Kevin Morris, Regional Epidemiologist for West Tennessee.
The school started testing students Monday and will continue Thursday.
“We want to be 100 percent sure that we are doing the best we can to make the environment safe all the time,” said President Butler. “That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
Testing is taking place in the student center on campus.
