Possible TB Exposure Hits Downtown Shelter

Staff, volunteers and residents of the shelter are being offered free testing.

Staff, volunteers and residents of the City of San Diego Emergency Winter Shelter Program may have been exposed to tuberculosis by an individual who was recently diagnosed with the disease, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency said Tuesday.

Individuals are being notified about the exposure, which occurred from Jan. 27 to Feb. 17, the agency said.

β€œMost people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease, but when it does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication,” said Dr. Wilma Wooten, San Diego County Public Health Officer. β€œFor this reason, it is important to identify those who have been exposed.”

HHSA is offering free testing for volunteers and residents on Tuesday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the shelter, which is located in Barrio Logan. HHSA will conduct follow-up testing on Monday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Neil Good Day Center. Shelter staff members are being offered no-cost testing through Family Health Centers of San Diego.

According to the agency, there have been 23 TB cases reported in San Diego so far this year, a number that is on pace to fall short of the 263 local cases reported in 2011.

Tell us what you think. Comment below, fan us on Facebook, mention us on Twitter @nbcsandiego, or download our improved iPhone app.

Contact Us