An individual at Continuing Education’s Mid-City Campus was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed students and staff, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported today.
HHSA is working closely with school officials to notify those who were potentially exposed. The period of exposure was from January 30 through April 9, 2013.
“TB usually requires many hours of close, indoor contact to spread to others, so most people who are exposed in classrooms do not get infected or develop the disease,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., county deputy public health officer.
Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. When TB does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication. It is important to identify those who are infected to provide treatment before symptoms develop and to prevent the spread of the disease to others.
Free testing for students who may have been exposed will take place on June 4 at the school located at 3792 Fairmont Ave, San Diego. Individuals may also be tested through their own health care providers.
Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region. In 2012, 234 cases were reported in the county. Thirty-nine cases have been reported to date in 2013.
For more information about the potential exposure, call the County of San Diego TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
