Fighting TB on college and university campuses
Nearly 1 million international students are enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, making the U.S. the most popular destination for foreign students (1). According to the CDC, 72% of TB cases in the U.S. are among non-U.S.-born individuals, who have a 15 times higher risk of developing active TB (2).
Foreign-born students make up about 5% of the U.S. student population (1), and crowded campuses increase the risk of TB spreading. This makes it crucial to screen and test international students from high-risk countries. Additionally, students who have lived or spent time in countries with higher TB rates should also be tested. Early detection and treatment of TB through proper screening can prevent the disease from spreading to others.
Unfortunately, many colleges and universities don't have a TB testing policy for incoming or international students. Even those that do often rely on outdated, less effective tests. It's important to ensure that your students and faculty are protected from TB with proper screening and testing measures in place.
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References:
- Statista. Top host destination of international students worldwide in 2020, by number of students (2020). https://www.statista.com/statistics/297132/top-host-destination-of-international-students-worldwide/ (accessed June 7, 2022)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and Statistics (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/tb/statistics/default.htm (accessed June 7, 2022)
- American College Health Association. Tuberculosis Screening and Targeted Testing of College and University Students (2024). https://www.acha.org/documents/resources/guidelines/ACHA_Tuberculosis_Screening_May2024.pdf