Person With Tuberculosis at 2 Chula Vista Schools May Have Exposed Others

CHULA VISTA, CA — Free tuberculosis testing will be offered to students at two Chula Vista schools because a person who spent time at the schools recently started treatment for an active case of the disease, officials with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reported Monday.

HHSA is working closely with Chula Vista Elementary School District and the Sweetwater Unified School District officials, respectively, to notify individuals who were possibly exposed at Harborside Elementary School and Castle Park Middle School.

In an effort to protect the person's privacy, county officials are not disclosing whether it was a student or staff member who was being treated for TB, according to Tom Christensen, a communications specialist for the county of San Diego.

The period of potential exposure at Harborside Elementary was from March 15 to June 6. Free testing for students who may have been exposed will take place on Aug. 31 at the school, located at 681 Naples St. in Chula Vista.

The period of potential exposure at Castle Park Middle School was from July 20 to Aug. 10. Free testing for students who may have been exposed will take place on Aug. 31 at the school, located at 160 Quintard St. in Chula Vista.

"Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss," says Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. "Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease, but when it does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication; that’s why it’s important to identify those who have been exposed."

County health officials say TB is not uncommon in the San Diego region. Thus far in 2016, 132 cases have been reported. In 2015, a total of 234 cases were reported.

• TB Cases Reported at 2 San Diego High Schools
  
• TB Case Reported at Southwestern College
  
• Tuberculosis Found at San Diego College

Questions about the potential exposure at the Chula Vista schools can be directed to the County TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.

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