Students, Staff Possibly Exposed To Tuberculosis At 2 South Bay Schools

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – People at two South Bay schools may have been exposed to tuberculosis recently, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced Thursday. The agency is working with school officials to notify students and staff who may have been exposed at the Sweetwater Union High School District schools.

The first potential exposure was at San Ysidro High School between Feb. 18 and June 2, 2017. The agency is offering free testing for people who may have been exposed. The testing is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Friday, Sept. 8 at the school at 5353 Airway Road in San Diego.

The second potential exposure was at Hilltop High School between Aug. 28 and Aug. 30. The agency is offering free testing for people who may have been exposed. The testing is from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Monday, Sept. 1 at the school at 555 Claire Avenue in Chula Vista.

According to the county, 234 tuberculosis cases were reported in San Diego in 2015 and 258 cases were reported in 2016. To date, 130 cases have been reported in 2017.

"Symptoms of active TB disease include cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss," said county public health officer Wilma Wooten. "Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop active disease. Those who test positive for TB can be treated with medication to prevent or cure active disease; that’s why it’s important for those with possible exposure to get tested."

For more information on this potential exposure, call the County TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.

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