An individual who attends Southwestern College was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed students and staff to the disease, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported today.
HHSA is working in close collaboration with college officials to notify individuals who were possibly exposed to the disease between Aug. 15, 2011 and Oct. 18, 2011.
“TB can be treated and cured with medication,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy County Public Health Officer. “Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease, but early identification of exposure through TB screening tests is important.”
School officials are in the process of notifying the individuals who were potentially exposed. No-cost testing for students, faculty and staff will be conducted at Southwestern College Heath Services located in 601F of the Student Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. Ongoing testing will begin on Oct. 28.
Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Individuals who would like more information may call the Southwestern Student Health Services at (619) 482-6354 or the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
There have been 193 cases of TB reported in San Diego in 2011.
