Boise State Student Diagnosed With Tb

A Boise State University student has been preliminarily diagnosed with tuberculosis, prompting health officials to urge classmates, instructors and co-workers to get tested for the disease.

The Boise man is the third Idaho resident to be diagnosed with the rare lung disease this year and the first in Ada County.

The student is enrolled in the College of Technology, is in his 20s and worked as a cashier at an oriental restaurant until he became ill two weeks ago, according to the Central District Health Department.

There is very little risk to students attending classes, or to diners at the Mongolian Barbecue where he worked, said Ruby Hawkins, the department’s family health services director.

Fewer than 75 people were closely exposed, including family members, classmates, instructors and co-workers, the department said.

Tuberculosis is not spread by food, but bacteria can be spread when a person with active tuberculosis sneezes, coughs or even sings.

An average of 21.4 cases were reported annually in Idaho for 1985-1994, and 4.3 cases per year in the four counties served by the Central District Health Department: Ada, Elmore, Boise and Valley.

Once commonly fatal, tuberculosis now is treatable with antibiotics, but early detection is important, health officials said.

The Boise State student initially was hospitalized for three or four days with symptoms of weight loss, night sweats, fatigue and coughing, but now is recovering at home, Hawkins said.

The source of his infection is unknown.