SAN DIEGO–A case of tuberculosis that may have exposed students and staff at Morse High School has been reported, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency said Friday.
Public health and San Diego Unified School District officials are notifying those who were potentially exposed and will provide free TB testing.
The periods of potential exposure were from June 17 to July 26 during summer school and from Aug. 26 to Sept. 10.
Health and Human Services staff will provide testing on Sept. 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Morse High School, 6905 Skyline Dr. in San Diego for students who have been identified as potentially exposed. Identified staff will be provided testing by the San Diego Unified School District.
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.
“It is important that we identify those who have had prolonged close contact in an enclosed space with the TB case and test them since the initial infection usually has no symptoms,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the infectious form of the disease.”
Symptoms of infectious TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. For people with symptoms of tuberculosis, or who are immune-compromised and may not show symptoms, it is important that they see their medical provider to be evaluated for TB. Tuberculosis can be cured with antibiotics.
People who would like more information on this potential exposure are asked to call Morse High School at (619) 262-0763 or the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
