Quebec: Ravers Warned of Possible TB Exposure

Montreal's Public Health Department is trying to track down about 900 rave-goers who may have come into contact with a Université de Montréal student who has developed the most contagious form of TB. Health officials placed advertisements in the city's alternative press and handed out leaflets at three raves over the past two weeks trying to locate those who may have been exposed to the disease at three raves held between last August and October.

"We thought this was the best way to contact people who are in that milieu," said Blaise Lefebvre, a department spokesperson. "We want them to contact us and we will arrange for them to have a test." About 125 ravers were tested for TB last Monday at a special clinic set up by the Health Department.

The mass testing began in April when a female Université de Montréal student contracted TB of the lungs and larynx. After the student became ill, public health officials tested about 400 people who were in close contact with her, including about 100 students and teachers at McGill University, where she was taking one course. About 40 of the 400 people tested positive, but they have not fallen ill and therefore are not contagious. Following tests on her close contacts, the department decided to test others who were present at the raves she attended.

About 150 to 200 people in Montreal become ill with TB every year, Lefebvre said.

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