Potential TB Exposure Reported At UCSD

LA JOLLA, CA – Public health officials are warning the public of possible tuberculosis exposure at UC San Diego's main university campus in La Jolla.

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is working with UCSD officials to notify people who may have been exposed to the infectious disease between Jan. 25 and May 15.

Most people who are exposed to tuberculosis do not become infected, health officials said. Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.

"Testing is recommended for all those exposed to assure they are not infected, since they may not have symptoms," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer, in a statement. "For anyone infected, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent disease."

County officials recommend that students, staff and campus visitors with tuberculosis symptoms and individuals who are immune-compromised see their doctor immediately. Tuberculosis can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

No-cost screenings for identified students will start May 30 at the campus Student Health Center on Library Walk, west of the Price Center and south of Geisel Library. Testing for identified faculty and campus staff will be provided at no cost by UC San Diego Occupational Health.

The number of tuberculosis cases in San Diego County has decreased since the 1990s and stabilized in recent years. There were 258 cases reported in 2016 and 237 in 2017, according to the county. There have been 64 cases so far this year.

For more information, call the county tuberculosis control program at 619-692-8621.

Also see:

• Potential TB Exposure Reported At Grossmont-Cuyamaca Campuses
• Tuberculosis Exposures Reported At 2 San Diego County Schools
• Students, Staff Possibly Exposed To Tuberculosis At 2 South Bay Schools

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