SAN DIEGO–An individual who was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) may have exposed others to the disease. The individual rode the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus route 860, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported today.
HHSA is working with MTS officials to notify individuals who were possibly exposed. The period of exposure is from June 1, 2011 to September 14, 2011. Persons who traveled on the 6:35 a.m. express bus (route 860) from Carmel Mountain Ranch toward downtown or who rode the 4:10 p.m. express (route 860) from Pacific Highway and Grape toward North County were potentially exposed.
“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss,” says Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease, but when it does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the spread of TB to others. These are all reasons why it’s important to identify those who have been exposed.”
Individuals should contact their physician for TB testing. Individuals who need testing and have no medical provider and those seeking more information may call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
To date there have been 179 cases of TB reported in 2011.
