Potential TB Exposure Reported At Grossmont-Cuyamaca Campuses

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Wednesday reported potential tuberculosis exposure at Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District's El Cajon and Rancho San Diego campuses.

Agency officials are working with the community college district to notify people who may have been exposed to the infectious disease between Jan. 30 and April 24.

"Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss," Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer, said in a statement. "But most people who are exposed do not develop the disease, and TB can be treated and cured with medication."

County officials recommend that students, staff and campus visitors with tuberculosis symptoms and those who are immune-compromised see their doctor immediately. No-cost screenings for identified students, faculty and staff began on Tuesday at the Student Health Services office in Bldg. 60 at Grossmont College and the Health and Wellness Center in the I-Building at Cuyamaca College.

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

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 52 cases so far this year.

By City News Service; Kristina Houck/Patch contributed to this report.