The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is working with University of California San Diego officials to notify people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis on the main university campus in La Jolla.
The period of potential exposure was from January 25 until May 15. Individuals known to have been exposed have been notified by the school.
“Testing is recommended for all those exposed to assure they are not infected, since they may not have symptoms,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “For anyone infected, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent disease.”
Tuberculosis is transmitted person-to-person through indoor air during prolonged contact with an infectious individual. Most people who are exposed do not become infected.
Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. For individuals with symptoms of TB, or those who are immune-compromised and may not show symptoms, it is important that the person sees their medical provider to rule out TB. Tuberculosis can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
No-cost testing will be provided to identified students starting May 30 at the campus Student Health Center on Library Walk, west of the Price Center and south of Geisel Library. Testing for identified faculty and campus staff who may have been exposed will be provided at no cost by UC San Diego Occupational Health.
Individuals who would like more information on this potential exposure can call:
- UC San Diego Student Health Services (858) 534-3300
- UC San Diego Occupational Health (858) 822-5340
- County TB Control Program (619) 692-8621
The number of annual TB cases in San Diego County has decreased since the early 1990s and has stabilized in recent years. There were 258 cases reported in 2016 and 237 in 2017. To date, 64 cases have been reported in 2018.
