Health

Former San Diego County Jail Inmate Has Tuberculosis

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An individual who was recently detained at the East Mesa Reentry Facility and the George Bailey Detention Facility has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed other inmates and staff, County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reported today.

HHSA and the Sheriff’s Department are working closely to notify individuals who were potentially exposed.  The possible exposures were between May 23 and June 9, 2013 in section B1 at the East Mesa Reentry Facility and between June 9 and 17, 2013 in section 1C at the George Bailey Detention Facility.

The Sheriff’s Department has identified approximately 250 potentially exposed individuals who are not currently in custody.  These individuals should consult their medical provider for TB screening or should arrange testing by contacting the County of San Diego TB Control program at (619) 692-8621.

“It is important to identify those who are infected to provide treatment before symptoms develop and to prevent the spread of the disease to others,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., County deputy public health officer. “Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.”

Sheriff’s Department officials are providing TB testing to potentially exposed staff members and inmates still in custody.

“We take the health and safety of inmates and our staff very seriously,” said Sheriff Bill Gore. “We are working very closely with HHSA to ensure everyone who may have been exposed is informed and has an opportunity to be tested.”

Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region. In 2013, 82 cases have been reported to date.

For more information about the potential exposure, call the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 974-5971.

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact