By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The County of San Diego has warned the Otay Mesa Detention Center that continued failure to report communicable diseases as required by law could result in professional licensing actions against health care providers.
The county issued a letter to the detention center outlining its reporting requirements, including the obligation to promptly report suspected or confirmed cases of tuberculosis to the County public health officer.
Under state requirements, suspected cases of tuberculosis and other reportable communicable diseases must be reported within one working day, along with detailed information about the case.
“Reporting is mandated by law to protect the public. It allows us to track suspected and known cases, trace possible exposures and provide treatment to prevent outbreaks,” County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan said.
The warning follows concerns identified during a June 12 inspection of the detention center. In a report issued after the inspection, the county identified shortcomings in the facility’s notification of contagious diseases and recommended improved coordination between the detention center and county public health officials.
The county also has provided training to detention center staff on communicable disease reporting requirements.
Failure to comply with mandatory disease reporting requirements may subject health care providers to professional licensing actions, according to the county.
The June inspection occurred after the county took legal action to conduct an on-site health and environmental review of the detention center. The county continues to pursue in court its authority to conduct future inspections.
The county’s warning comes as public health officials emphasize the importance of timely reporting to identify potential exposures, monitor disease activity and prevent outbreaks in detention facilities.
