Health

TB Cases Reported at Two High Schools

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A person at High Tech High Media Arts was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis and another person at Southwest High School recently started treatment for TB, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reported today.

Both people may have exposed others at the schools, including students and staff. The two cases are not related. HHSA is working closely with officials from both schools to notify individuals who were possibly exposed to TB.

The period of potential exposure for the case at High Tech High Media Arts, a charter school, is from February 20, 2016 to May 15, 2016. Free testing for students who may have been exposed will take place on June 7, 2016 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the school, located at 2230 Truxtun Rd., 3rd Floor, San Diego, CA 92110.

The period of potential exposure at Southwest High is from March 5, 2016 to May 15, 2016. Free testing for students who may have been exposed will take place on June 1, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school, located at 1685 Hollister St., San Diego, CA 92154.

“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss,” says Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., 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.”

TB is not uncommon in San Diego. To date, 74 cases have been reported in 2016. There were 234 cases reported in 2015.

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

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact