Health

Tuberculosis Case Reported at Vista College

Reading Time: < 1 minute

An individual at Kaplan College in Vista was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed students and staff, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported today. There is no indication of an exposure at the school’s other two San Diego County campuses.

HHSA is working with college officials to notify those who were potentially exposed at the school’s Vista campus, 3022 University Drive. The period of exposure was from January 2 through March 19.  

Free testing for students and staff who may have been exposed is being provided through Thursday of this week.

“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 so they can begin treatment and prevent the spread of the disease to others.

Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region. In 2012, 234 cases were reported in the county. Eighteen cases have been reported to date in 2013.

For more information, call the County of San Diego TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621. 

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