An individual at Jefferson Middle School was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed students and staff, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported today.
HHSA is working with the Oceanside Unified School District to notify those who were potentially exposed. The period of exposure was from February 4 through April 26, 2013.
“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “TB usually requires many hours of close, indoor contact to spread to others, so most people who are exposed in classrooms do not get infected or develop the disease.”
When TB does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication. 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.
Free testing for students and staff who may have been exposed will take place on May 21 at the school, located at 823 Acacia Avenue, Oceanside. Individuals may also be tested through their own health care providers.
Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region. In 2012, 234 cases were reported in the county. Thirty-one cases have been reported to date in 2013.
For more information about the potential exposure, call the County of San Diego TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
