Open Letter to the University Community
February 22, 2012
Dear Members of the Emory University Community,
Emory University cares about the health and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, it is important that we pursue health concerns when they come to our attention. Emory has determined that some students, faculty and staff may have been exposed to an employee with an active case of tuberculosis (TB) between the dates of August 1, 2011 and February 2, 2012. At this time, Emory University, with assistance from the Division of Infectious Diseases and local health departments, is working to the best of its ability to determine which students, faculty and staff were potentially in substantial contact with the infected individual.
The notification and testing of those persons on campus who were substantially exposed to our employee have already begun.
Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease that is spread person-to-person through air droplets. Tuberculosis is NOT spread by shaking someone’s hand; by sharing food or drink; or by touching bed linens, toilet seats, door handles, telephones or other hard surfaces. It is important to know that a person who is simply exposed to TB bacteria is not able to spread the bacteria to other people unless he or she develops the active disease, which usually takes at least several months. Only persons with active TB disease can spread the bacteria to others.
The infected individual was a university custodian who worked on the Druid Hills campus and who died on February 2, 2012, apparently unaware that he had tuberculosis. On February 17, 2012, the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s office determined that the employee had tuberculosis. Upon learning that the employee was infected, Emory University immediately initiated a full investigation into his work times and dates of employment. We notified the appropriate Emory departments to develop a system for notification and to establish a protocol for appropriate screening for all potentially exposed individuals. Persons identified as having substantial contact with the infected individual have been notified and screening is underway. The ongoing investigation will require collaboration and communication with local health departments outside Emory, as well.
Again, please remember that TB can be spread only by persons with active tuberculosis disease; there is no risk to persons who were in contact with the exposed employees and students. To the best of our ability, all faculty, staff, and students who were in substantial contact with the infected individual will be notified in accordance with established procedures for such cases.
There is no medical reason based on the facts of this case to recommend general testing of the Emory community. If any members of the Emory community should feel that they wish to consult a doctor or be tested, we recommend that they contact their local health department in Fulton or DeKalb County or one of the following Emory offices:
- Student Health Services
1525 Clifton Road Building
404-727-7551 - Office of Campus Life (Oxford)
770-784-8391 - Office of Occupational Injury Management (EUH)
1364 Clifton Road, NE (EUH: H-wing, subbasement, Room HB53)
404-686-8587
For information and updates, if any, please see the University Communications web site at www.emory.edu/TBinformation.
We are saddened by the loss of one of our employees and our condolences go out to his family and friends. We thank all of you for your attention to this important matter and your dedication to ensuring a safe environment at Emory University.
Sincerely,
Paula DesRoches, ANP-C, COHN-S
Director, Occupational Injury Management
Emory Healthcare and Emory University
Michael J. Huey, MD
Executive Director
Emory University Student Health and Counseling Services
Bruce Ribner, MD, MPH
Hospital Epidemiologist, Emory University Hospital
Emory Division of Infectious Diseases