Health

Unrelated TB Cases Reported on Two College Campuses

image of an arm after a tuberculosis test Image Credit: CDC.gov
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The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is working in close collaboration with MiraCosta College and San Diego City College officials to notify people who were possibly exposed to tuberculosis in two unrelated cases.

The period of possible exposure at the MiraCosta College Community Learning Center, 1831 Mission Ave, Oceanside, was from August 20, 2018 to November 15, 2018.  No-cost testing will be offered to identified students on December 12, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Learning Center campus.

The potential exposure at San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, was from September 14, 2018 to October 10, 2018.  No-cost testing for identified students will take place on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the college.

For both exposures, identified faculty and staff will be tested by their respective occupational health programs.

“Symptoms of active tuberculosis include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss and can be treated and cured with medication,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Most people who are exposed do not become infected but those who are can prevent disease by taking medication.”

For people with symptoms of TB, or who are immune-compromised, it is important that they see their medical provider to rule out TB.

If you would like more information on this potential exposure are asked to call:

  • MiraCosta College Community Learning Center at (760) 795-6675
  • San Diego City College at (619) 388-6922
  • County TB Control Program at (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, 188 cases have been reported in 2018.

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