Investigation of Two Concurrent Tuberculosis Outbreaks in a University in Northern Taiwan

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20160621.32(12).002

Yu-Ting Hou^＊, Hao-Hsin Wu, Tzu-Chun Chen, Jhy-Wen Wu, Kun-Bin Wu

2016 Vol.32 NO.12

Correspondence Author： Yu-Ting Hou^＊

Abstract：

From November 2013 to April 2015, a total of 16 confirmed tuberculosis cases had been reported in a university in Northern Taiwan. According to epidemiological and microbiological results, two outbreaks were identified and each involved six and two cases, respectively.

After environmental assessment of the university campus, poor classroom air quality with high indoor carbon dioxide levels due to inadequate air-conditioning equipment were discovered, which could easily facilitate the accumulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Through contacts examination and latent tuberculosis infection treatment, the outbreaks have been controlled after the improvement of classroom ventilation.