CHULA VISTA, CA — There was a possible exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis at a college in San Diego's South Bay, officials announced.
The exposure may have occurred between Oct. 27 and Dec. 14, 2025 at Southwestern Community College's main campus on Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista, according to San Diego County's Tuberculosis Prevention and Care Program.
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that spreads when someone with active TB coughs, speaks, sings or breathes. People who spend extended time indoors with someone who has active TB face the highest risk of infection, while brief contact generally carries a lower risk.
According to the county, tuberculosis can be difficult to diagnose, and people may be sick for months before receiving a diagnosis, which can lengthen exposure periods. This situation involves MDR-TB, a type of tuberculosis that does not respond to standard medications.
"Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can be more complicated and lengthier to treat since it is a form of infection that does not respond to the usual medicines," said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, the county's public health officer.
"The good news is that TB, including MDR-TB, is treatable and curable with the right medication," Thihalolipavan said. "If you believe you may have been exposed, contact the County Tuberculosis Department right away. Early screening and treatment is important to help protect your health and the health of our community."
People who test positive for TB but do not have active symptoms likely have latent TB and should get a chest X-ray and talk to a medical provider, officials said. An estimated 175,000 people in the county have latent TB infection and are at risk for developing active TB without preventive treatment.
TB cases in the county have been on the rise since 2020. Health officials reported 193 cases in 2020, 201 in 2021, 208 in 2022, 242 in 2023, 247 in 2024, and 265 in 2025.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is less common, with three people diagnosed with MDR-TB in the county in 2024 and two diagnosed in 2025.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
San Diego, CA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.