By County News Center
San Diego, CA–Students and staff in the Chula Vista Elementary School District may have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) while attending Fred H. Rohr Elementary School during summer and fall 2022 sessions, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency said Wednesday.
The Chula Vista Elementary School District was notified of the exposure to students at Rohr Elementary during the week of November 7.
Health and Human Services Agency’s Public Health Services and Chula Vista Elementary School District officials have collaborated to identify and notify those with a higher risk of exposure to tuberculosis and will be providing no-cost testing to individuals at increased risk for infection. The period of potential exposure is from June 27 to August 26 at Fred H. Rohr Elementary School.
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that is transmitted from person to person through inhalation of bacteria from the air. Chances of infection are higher for people with frequent and prolonged indoor exposure to person who is sick with TB.
“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. “Most people who become infected after exposure to tuberculosis do not get sick right away. Some who become infected with tuberculosis will become ill at some point in the future, sometimes even years later. Blood tests and skin tests are effective to determine whether someone has been infected. All those notified of a high risk of exposure are encouraged to receive no-cost testing.”
Treatments are available that are effective in preventing people infected with tuberculosis from getting sick and in curing people who are sick from active TB. It is especially important for individuals with symptoms of active TB and those who are immune-compromised to see their medical provider to rule-out active tuberculosis, and after excluding active TB, to discuss preventative treatment.
The number of annual TB cases in San Diego County has decreased since the early 1990s and has stabilized in recent years. There were 201 cases reported in 2021 and 192 in 2020. As of the end of September, a total of 126 cases have been reported.
Individuals who would like more information on the potential exposure can call Chula Vista Elementary School District at (619)425-9600. County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
