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. Students from high-risk countries are assessed a fee by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education when they enroll. The fee pays for TB testing and if the test is positive, the costs of a physician visit and chest x-ray.
WMU students who are not assessed this fee may use insurance to pay for testing and treatment if it is a covered benefit.
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.