SAN DIEGO–An individual has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed others to the disease on the campus of Bonita Vista High School, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported Monday.
HHSA is working in close collaboration with Sweetwater Union High School District officials to notify individuals who were possibly exposed to the disease. The period of exposure is from June 1, 2011 to September 9, 2011.
“Public Health Services is committed to safeguarding the public and continually monitors for community health issues, including TB,” says Dr. Wilma Wooten M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “TB can be treated and cured with medication and that’s why it’s so important to identify those who have been exposed.”
Bonita Vista High School officials are notifying the individuals who were potentially exposed. No-cost testing for students, faculty and staff will be conducted on the campus of Bonita Vista High School located at 751 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease.
Those who would like more information regarding the exposure are asked to contact Bonita Vista High School at (619) 397-2000 or the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
To date there have been 190 TB cases reported in San Diego.
