SAN DIEGO–Two unrelated new cases of tuberculosis that may have exposed others have been reported recently at the Innovation High School San Diego, Chula Vista Resource Center and the Urban Corps of San Diego, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency said.
Health and Human Services Agency is working with officials to notify students and staff at the high school and program participants and staff at the Urban Corps who may have been exposed.
The potential exposure at Innovation High School, 310 Broadway Ave., Chula Vista, was between March 16 and June 6.
The potential exposure at Urban Corps of San Diego, 3127 Jefferson St., San Diego, was between May 11 and August 11. No cost testing for those notified of possible exposure will be on September 4 and 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Urban Corps. Preliminary testing of this case suggests isoniazid resistance, so anyone who tests positive should let their doctor know treatment with other medications is recommended.
Tuberculosis is transmitted from person to person through indoor air during prolonged contact with an infectious individual. Most people who are exposed do not become infected.
“Since initial TB infection usually has no symptoms, testing is recommended for all those potentially exposed to assure they are not infected,” said 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; that’s why it’s important to identify those who have been exposed.”
Symptoms of infectious TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. For individuals with symptoms of TB, or who are immune-compromised and may not show symptoms, it is important that the individual sees their medical provider to rule out TB. Tuberculosis can be cured with antibiotics.
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, 107 cases have been reported in 2018.
Individuals who would like more information on this potential exposure are asked to call Innovation High School at (619) 677-1903, Urban Corps of San Diego at (619) 235-6884 ext. 3117, and County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
