2 University of Washington Tacoma students infected with tuberculosis

Two University of Washington Tacoma students have been infected with tuberculosis, so the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is reaching out to students and faculty to make sure they are tested.

The department announced Tuesday that it will conduct testing Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 7 and Nov. 8) on the UWT campus, with results available two days after the test.

The department learned of the first case, a Pierce County resident, in April, and of the second, a King County resident, in September.

Both cases were considered low exposure risks to the public, the department said.

Already, 238 people, mainly students, have been notified and told they should get tested for tuberculosis.

If students cannot attend testing next week, the UWT student health center will accommodate the students, the health department said.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics. The two-stage disease starts with an infection that does not sicken the person or infect others. It then can progress to an active infection, which is transmissible.

The disease is spread through coughing, sneezing, shouting, laughing or sneezing, the department said. It does not spread outdoors, or by sharing clothing or eating utensils, kissing, hugging or sexual activity.

This story was originally published November 1, 2016 at 3:41 PM with the headline "2 University of Washington Tacoma students infected with tuberculosis."