Health

Tuberculosis Case Reported at Vista High School

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An individual at Vista High 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 Vista Unified School District to notify those who were potentially exposed.  The period of exposure was from August 20 through October 30, 2012.  

“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.”

However, when TB does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication. That’s why it’s important to identify those who have been infected.

Free testing for students and staff who may have been exposed will take place on December 18 at Vista High School, 1 Panther Way, Vista. 

Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region. There have been 211 cases of TB reported in San Diego in 2012. Last year, there were 263 cases of TB reported locally.

For more information about the exposure, call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621. 

 

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact