Tuberculosis Testing
Incoming students from countries identified by the World Health Organization as high-risk for tuberculosis exposure will be required to have testing done at WMU’s health center. Sindecuse Health Center offers the highly-reliable Quantiferon Gold (QFG) test for M. tuberculosis exposure. A worksheet is used to determine risk level, and includes a list of affected countries:
International students will be asked to review this worksheet before they arrive at Orientation. WMU students may use insurance to pay for testing and treatment if it is a covered benefit of their insurance plan. The plan international students are required to buy, GeoBlue, does cover TB testing as a benefit with no out-of-pocket expense.
If you have TB infection
Most people diagnosed with TB infection have inactive, latent TB, which cannot be transmitted and does not cause symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is recommended in order to prevent active TB. Students can attend school normally. Active TB can be transmitted and is very serious, possibly causing permanent damage and even death. It is curable with appropriate medicine, and treatment with antibiotics is required. Students will not be allowed to attend school until you have a release from your medical provider.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site to learn more.