Active tuberculosis case confirmed on campus at UVic this week

On November 8th, UVic announced that one member of their campus community had been diagnosed with active tuberculosis. 

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by slow-growing bacteria usually found in the lungs because it thrives in areas where lots of blood and oxygen are present. 

UVic says that they are now working very closely with Island Health on protocols to identify, screen and treat those who may have been exposed.

The university also says that transmission risk is low. 

Although it is spread in a similar way to a cold or the flu, tuberculosis is not as contagious. For transmission to occur, an uninfected person would have to spend prolonged periods of time in close contact with an infected person. 

Many associate tuberculosis with being fatal; however, it was only as devastating as it was in earlier Canadian history because of overcrowding and often unhygienic living conditions which provided an ideal environment for the spread of the disease. 

Although it is not nearly as fatal of a disease as it once was, for the student who contracted tuberculosis, a long road may lie ahead of them in terms of recovery. 

According to the Province, it typically takes between six to nine months to treat tuberculosis, with severe cases taking up to two years. 

“We want to assure students, faculty, staff, parents and guardians that the university and Island Health are taking active steps to respond to this situation and support the university community,” said a UVic spokesperson in a public notice. 

“The affected community member has been self-isolating since their diagnosis and those who may have been in close contact with the individual have received an email notification outlining key information, screening requirements and supports and resources should they have further questions or concerns.”

The university says that Island Health has already gotten ahold of all those who were in close contact with the affected person. 

The infected individual’s identity will not be released to the public at this time to protect their privacy and to protect any individuals who may have come into contact with them.