Journalism student dies of tuberculosis As part of normal practice, all close contacts considered to be at risk of contracting the disease will be offered screening to see if they've been exposed to the infection. Dr Geary added: "Exposure to the infection through contact with someone who has the illness does not mean that an individual will go on to develop TB. Transmission occurs through coughing of infectious droplets and usually requires prolonged close contact with an infectious case. An inquest into the death has been opened and adjourned by the Coroner for South Lincolnshire, Professor Robert Forrest. A University of Lincoln spokesman said: "We now know that Craig died as a result of developing tuberculosis. Craig was a much-loved member of the Lincoln School of Journalism and the whole university community has been deeply saddened by his untimely death. There is no reason to believe there is a risk to the health of members of the university community. TB, which can be treated with specific antibiotics, develops slowly in the body, the HPA said, and it usually takes several months for symptoms to appear. Symptoms can include fever and night sweats, an unexplained prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss or blood in phlegm. In the last 20 years TB cases have gradually increased in this country.